Sam gasped as the white light floated up from Daniel's body. Tears streamed down her face as she watched it disappear from the room. Her father tried to put an arm around her, to console her, but she broke free.

She ran. Daniel was gone and she couldn't stand to be in that room any longer. She dodged shocked airmen as she ran down the halls. She ducked into the elevator, wiping her eyes as it carried her to the surface level. She signed out at the gate, and to keep her friends from worrying, told them where she was going. She blinked as she stepped out into the afternoon sun. Swallowing a sob, she started her hike up the mountain.

Jack had watched her leave with a worried expression. He had tried to follow, but Hammond held him back. "Let her go Jack, give her a little time."

He gave her half an hour. He started searching the base for her, but wasn't able to find her in any of her usual spots. Finally, after another half hour of looking for her, he called the gate guards. They told him she'd gone for a hike. He made his way up to the gate. One of the guards pointed out the trail she'd taken and he thanked them and started to head up after her. "Sir, hurry back, there's a storm moving in and it looks to be a bad one." Jack nodded and went for the trail.

Sam had found a spot at the top of the mountain. Perched on a rock she looked out over the valley, watched the storm clouds as they moved in. She heard a branch snap behind her and knew immediately who it was. She didn't turn around. When he stepped around in front of her, she didn't look up, afraid that she would just break into sobs again. He reached out, caressed her cheek gently with his fingers and lifted her chin. When her eyes settled on his and saw the tears on his face, she broke down again.

"Hey, c'mere," he whispered as he pulled her up and into his arms. She buried her face against his shoulder as he buried his against her neck. They held each other tight, mourning the loss of someone they both loved. A soft, warm breeze seemed to wrap around them.

"Sam, Jack." The wind seemed to whisper to them. Sam felt a soft touch on her shoulder and pulled back from Jack. They looked around, and Jack recognized the ethereal quality as the same as when Daniel had come to him earlier. Jack fortunately had his arm still around Sam, for when she spotted Daniel standing nearby she almost fainted. "Daniel?" she whispered, her voice trembling. The ascended Daniel moved closer to them. "I don't have long, but I just wanted to say goodbye." Jack noticed that Sam was shaking. She reached out to Daniel, touching his cheek gently. "But… how…" "There's no time for that explanation." Daniel reached up, ran his fingers over the tears on Sam's cheek. "I'm sorry to leave like this. I love you both, you have been true friends. I will try to return to you whenever I can, but I don't think that will be often. Please, take care of each other." Jack pulled away from Sam and embraced Daniel. "I'll miss you Spacemonkey," he said quietly. Daniel hugged him tightly.

They separated and Daniel turned to Sam. She was trembling. "Oh Sam, if only there was more time," said Daniel as he wrapped his arms around her. He held her close for a minute and then pulled back enough to look into her eyes. He bent down and captured her lips with his, kissing her deeply for several long seconds. When he pulled away, he held her face in his hands. "I love you Sam." And then he was gone. The wind swirled gently around them again as Sam whispered, "I love you too Daniel." The wind twisted around them one last time and then it was gone as well. Sam turned and Jack wrapped his arms around her again, holding her close. The rumble of thunder seemed to echo her sobs. Jack started to lead her back down the trail. He paused just before starting down, turning to look back across the valley. "Bye Danny boy."