Title: Affairs of the Heart

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Rating: R (A small part is a little NC-17, just thought I'd warn you)

Disclaimer: Don't own it, wish I did, I just like to play with them once and a while. I'll put them back when I'm finished. I promise.

Author's Note: As much as I've enjoyed writing this story, I've decided to bring it to an end. I hope you like how it concludes, I've probably left a few things out, but you just never know, that's what sequels are for. Just don't get your hopes up too quickly, I want to take a little break and recharge, I will be back though. I have a few ideas I want to throw around and see what comes of them. So until later, happy reading everyone.

Thanks to: Winjan: In the original draft for the last chapter, I did have Ceri ascend, but I quickly changed my mind, I couldn't leave Callie without her mom. As for writing another JAG story. Since we don't get JAG on TV here at the moment, so the odds are very low. Sorry. Maybe if they put it back on, I might think about it, but not at the moment. My JAG muse up and flew away in his F-14. This story is keeping me occupied and from now on it's one story at a time. Fewer problems in remembering what characters go where. Thank you for taking the time to read my stories.

Chapter Nine: Faith of the Heart

Stargate Command:

Jonas Quinn sat propped up in the infirmary bed reading the book Ceri Jackson had brought him earlier. Every so often he would fiddle with the bandage around his head, at least reading kept his mind off what had happened.

"Hey! Thought you were suppose to be resting that brain." Jack O'Neill said as he walked in with Sam and Teal'c.

Jonas grinned and put the book down. "It's light reading."

Sam saw it was a book of poetry. "How are you doing?"

He shrugged a little. "I'm a little sick of seeing these walls all the time but other then that I'm fine, Doctor Frasier thinks they got it all out."

"I read the post op analysis," she stated. "The tumor was similar to ordinary brain tissue, but the neurons were five times more densely packed."

"Nirrti definitely had something to do with this," Jonas said firmly. "This kind of thing just doesn't happen naturally."

"Are you still having visions, Jonas Quinn?" Teal'c asked him.

"Not since the surgery, no."

"So, no lottery numbers?" Jack inquired hopefully.

Jonas smiled. "'Faid not."

"Well there goes the trip to Vegas," he grumbled.

Chuckling, Jonas asked. "So how's it going on 237?"

"They're planning a large celebration in our honor." Teal'c informed, answering him.

"They wanna thank us for helping them get rid of Mot," Sam added.

Jack gave a smirk. "We're bringing the food."

"That's a good idea," Jonas agreed. "So where's Dr. Jackson, I haven't seen her since she dropped the book off this morning?"

"Briefing SG-10, she said she'll drop by later."

"Okay," he said a little disheartened.

Sam saw that, she knew Ceri and Jonas had forged a friendship, based on mutual respect. "Why the long face?"

"I wanted to talked to her about what happened," he revealed, knowing Sam would also understand. "We changed the way things played out, which would seem to indicate that the future isn't predetermined. But by doing so, we for filed an ancient prophecy. A thousand years ago someone in that village predicted that this would happen."

"What did Ceri say to that when you discussed it with her?"

"She said it could have just been a lucky guess."

Sam smiled warmly. "It just may have been."

"Yeah."

Janet Frasier came in. "All right. Visiting hours are over. Jonas, you need to rest." She ordered and saw the young man nod.

"Well," Jack said shoving his hands into his trouser pockets. "Get well soon, huh, we need you out there."

That surprised Jonas. "Yes sir." Nodding, Jack left with Teal'c. Jonas looked to Sam. "Is the Colonel feeling all right?"

She chuckled. "Yeah. I knew he'd warm up to you eventually. Scary, isn't it?"

"Oh yeah."

Patting his arm, Sam walked out as the announcement of unauthorized wormhole was given over the base intercom. She didn't walk, she ran to the control room, meeting her husband, Teal'c and Ceri. "What have we got?"

"Ambassador Taren of Tarlinga wishes to negotiate peace between our people," Ceri informed, a little sarcasm to her voice.

"Why now?"

"Just what I wanted to know." Jack said bluntly.

"Perhaps we should ask them." Teal'c stated the obvious.

Ceri signed. "Teal'c's right, we won't know until we talk to them," she said being now the voice of reason.

The General agreed. "Open the iris," he ordered the Sergeant, and then spoke into the microphone. "Ambassador, you're clear to come through."

"Thank you General."

SG-1 followed the General down to the gate room, waiting. The shimmering event horizon rippled and two Cha'tar walked through, a man and a woman. Both Ceri knew from the time she and Daniel had been their guess/captives. At the bottom of the ramp, they bowed their heads.

"Welcome to Earth, Ambassador Taren," the General greeted. "I'm General Hammond."

"We're honored to be here General," Taren said warmly. "I present my husband and representative of the Cha'tar, Janus."

"Welcome," Hammond said, and then gestured to those with him. "This is SG-1. Colonel Jack O'Neill, Major Samantha Carter, Teal'c and Dr. Ceri Jackson." Both Tarlingan's bowed their heads again, their eyes drifting longer to Ceri, but neither said anything. The General took control of the situation once again. "This way, please."

They followed him to the conference room, SG-1 following. There they sat, Hammond at the head of the table, the two Tarlingan's to his left along with Sam. The Colonel and Teal'c sitting on the General's right with Ceri between them.

"Before we begin, General," Taren said quickly, her gaze on the linguist seated between the two men. "My people wish to formally apologize to the Princess and her consort."

Hammond glanced to Ceri. "Doctor?"

Her expression was perfect; she gave nothing away, nothing she wanted revealed to them. "On behalf of my consort and I, I except your apology."

"Thank you Princess."

"Doctor," she corrected. "On Earth I'm addressed as Doctor, not Princess or your highness. I have no royal title here, nor do I demand one."

That shocked the two of them. "But you are the sole remaining member of the Imperial Royal house of Tallisia." Janus exclaimed.

"On Earth she's just Doctor Jackson, so get use to it," Jack informed them bluntly, with a 'so there' look.

"This is a decision that Doctor Jackson, herself decided on," Hammond said, defusing the situation. "Now Ambassador, you requested this meeting."

"Yes," Taren said, regaining her composure. "We have come to realize since our last encounter, we were being manipulated by a Goa'uld who took one of our own as his host."

"Amon-Ra," Sam stated the obvious.

"Yes," the Ambassador said, continuing. "His host is our elected Prince, A'aron. We'd like your help in returning our Prince to his people."

"That all," Jack remarked sarcastically.

"Yes Colonel, that is all."

"We found Amon-Ra," Janus explained. "He came through the Chappa'ia, his host injured. Prince A'aron gave him aid; he took the Prince by force when his host died. We didn't realize until it was too late, his Jaffa arrived and before we knew what was happening, he was controlling us all."

"Yeah, well, we've had our share of run in's with snakehead," Jack revealed. "Not all were pleasant, your lucky your Prince didn't end up with a bullet in the brain."

His statement shocked them both, Taren recovered though. "Once Amon-Ra left, his control over us weakened and diminished. We would have contacted you then, but we didn't know the Gate address. Not until a few days ago, when we found this at the ruins." She put the pouch on the table she carried and carefully removed a hardcover journal; she slid it across the table to Ceri. "It's written in a Tallisian dialect we're not familiar with. The only thing we were able to translate was the gate address and the word Tau're."

Ceri opened the journal. "It's in remarkable condition," she noted, glancing up. "Pressure sealed?"

"Yes, we found it in a container that had been sealed in such a way." Janus revealed.

She looked over the writing. "It's a mixture of Ancient and Tallisian, what my peopled Ancoptic."

"Can you translate it?" Taren asked hopefully.

Ceri saw that, as well as felt it. "Given time, yes. It's been a long time since I've had to use it."

"Then as a show of faith, the journal is yours."

She was taken aback. "Thank you."

"Ambassador," Hammond interrupted. "You said you wanted to negotiate peace between our peoples."

"Yes," she agreed. "Now our people aren't under Amon-Ra's control, we see no reason why a treaty between our two planets can't be reached. We're a peaceful people, General. I wish our first meeting had been different, we could teach your people as much as I believe you can teach us."

"So you're willing to trade technology?" Sam asked.

"Yes," Taren said and then hesitated. "And we ask for your help."

"Our help?" Jack was a little skeptical.

"We captured Amon-Ra, we want him removed from our Prince." Janus answered for his wife.

"And you think we can do that?"

"We were hoping you could."

"The people of the Tau're can not," Teal'c said firmly, adding before the two Tarlingan's could interrupt. "However the Tok'ra can."

"We'll they help us?" Taren asked.

"If we ask them too." Jack stated.

"Then I beg you to ask them, we want our Prince back."

Sam sat forward in her chair. "Ambassador, you do realize, even after the Goa'uld is removed from Prince A'aron. There is a chance he won't be the same man you knew. The things he witnessed doing, even though it wasn't him. Can be devastating to the psyche."

"We realize that, Major, however we're willing to accept the risks."

Hammond saw his 2IC sit back in his chair; they glanced briefly at each other, an understanding passed with that glance. He addressed the Ambassador. "We'll contact the Tok'ra and let you know."

"Thank you General," she removed a small device from her wristband. "Our Chappa'ia is now protected by a force field, as yours is by your iris. Using this transmitter, we will know it is you and deactivate it." She gave it to him.

"Thank you Ambassador."

She bowed her head and pushed back her chair. "We look forward to your arrival on Tarlinga." She stood, as did Janus.

The General bowed his head in return. "Major, would you escort the Ambassador and Janus back to the gate room."

"Yes sir." She stood and escorted them out.

Ceri sat back in her chair. "General, the buildings Daniel and I were taken too, they were like high tech tree houses," she revealed. "They're structures are grown into the giant trees that grow within the forest. It is quiet amazing."

"And it could all be an elaborate trap," Jack stated the obvious. "Amon-Ra still could be controlling them."

They heard the gate open and then a few minutes later close down again.

"I didn't sense any deception from them, General." Ceri announced. "However I think we should be cautious."

"As do I General Hammond." Teal'c agreed.

"Very well," he acknowledged as Sam rejoined them. "Major contact the Tok'ra, as soon as we have their answer, then SG-1 will go along with Colonel Mackenzie."

"Yes sir." Sam said and hurried off.

Jack stood. "I'll brief Colonel Mackenzie, sir."

"Very well," Hammond stood also. "Dr. Jackson, my office." Ceri put the journal in the pouch and followed the General into his office. He shut the door and gestured for her to take a seat. She did and he sat down. "I'd like to ask your reason for not telling the Tarlingan's of your husbands death?"

"Ascension," she corrected, continuing. "I don't believe it was something they needed to know, not yet anyway."

Hammond smiled a little. "So you don't sense deception from them, but you don't trust them either."

Ceri nodded. "I want to see the good in them, sir, I do, but I'm also skeptical about their intentions."

"Very well, doctor. Carry on."

"Yes sir." She stood and walked towards the door, stopping she turned. "He could come back to us one day, General."

"We can only hope and pray, Ceri," he said gently.

She gave a lonely smile and left, she didn't go to her office though instead she headed for the infirmary.

Dr. Frasier saw her coming in. "Dr. Jackson," she greeted with a smile.

"Dr. Frasier," she said grinning. "Is Jonas awake."

"Yes, and bored. Why don't you go see him?"

"Thanks Janet," she started to walk away, then stopped and turned back. "How much longer is he going to be in here?"

"A week at the most, why?"

She gave a half shrug. "There's a mission coming up, I think he'll regret missing."

"Well we'll see how it goes." Janet told her.

Ceri nodded. "I'll go see him then," she said and hurried to Jonas' room. "Hey."

He brightened at her arrival. "Hey."

She preached on his bed. "I have something to show you," she announced and removed the journal from the pouch. "I haven't had it carbon dated yet, but I'm guessing it could be up to five, maybe six thousand years old."

"Where's it from?" He asked as she handed it too him.

"Tarlinga?"

Jonas frowned, recalling where he'd heard that name before. Then it came to him. "The Cha'tar?"

Ceri smiled. "Centuries ago a colony of Tallisian's known as the Cha'tar left Tallisia and traveled the stars for a planet where the Cha could live and breed. They found Tarlinga, and helped the people rid themselves of the Goa'uld. They became one people."

"But didn't they kidnap you and Daniel?"

"They did, they were under the control of Amon-Ra, he took their elected Prince as his host, when his old one died," she explained.

"So he'd been planning your capture for a while." Jonas pointed out.

"He had," she chewed on her lip for a moment. "They're asking for peace, they've captured Amon-Ra and want the snake removed. Sam's contacting the Tok'ra now for help."

"Do you think they want peace?"

"I'm not sure," she took the journal back and slipped it back into the pouch. "I sensed no deception from them, but," she shook her head.

"Be careful then," he suggested.

She smiled and got off the bed. "I will," she assured and then left the room and the infirmary, she wanted to get some of the journal translated before they left. She was still at it four hours later when Jack came knocking on her door.

"Hey kiddo."

She looked up, seeing baby Danny in her dad's arms, who was out of uniform, looking good in his civvies. She smiled a little. "No word yet?"

"Nope, we're heading home," he revealed. "What about you?"

"I might stick around a little longer."

"Okay, make sure you eat though and get some sleep," he suggested.

"Yes dad," she mused.

"No lip young lady," he said pointing a finger at her. "And ring Alyn and let her know what you're doing."

"I will, see you tomorrow."

"Sure kiddo," Jack said and then noticed she went straight back to the journal. Shaking his head he walked away. She was in full 'Daniel' mode tonight, he decided.

An hour later Ceri was interrupted once more, this time she sensed Pharaoh before he wondered in. "Hi boy, what's up?"

He grabbed at her shirt with his mouth and gave a tug. Ceri got the idea and followed him when he released it, ending up in the commissary. Alyn and Callie were waiting.

The nanny looked smug. "I knew Pharaoh would get you here."

"I didn't have much chose," Ceri mused and saw both her daughter and Alyn had, had their dinner. "I'll get something to eat and then join you."

"Good idea."

She wondered over and made a chose, returning to the table she put her tray down and sat. "I was suppose to ring you," she admitted sheepishly.

"I know," Alyn revealed. "Jack rang and let me know what was going on."

"Oh. Sorry."

Callie started to grin and squirm in her chair. "Vic, vic."

Ceri looked and saw Victor Galendez and the rest of SG-5 wonder in. She gave them a small wave and they wondered over. "How was P4C 359?"

"Hot," Major Rylands revealed.

"Dry," Lieutenant Summers added.

"I liked it," Victor jeered.

"Me too," Corporal Read smirked.

"They're mad, Doc." Corporal West said shaking his head.

She smiled. "So you enjoyed yourself?"

"Oh yeah," they all said at once.

Chuckling, Ceri saw Victor ruffle her daughter's hair. "Why don't you guys get some real food and join us."

Agreeing they did just that, returning with full trays, they sat with them, making a fuss of little Callie, who despite the giggling managed to get her dinner eaten.

"So, doc, we heard the Tarlingan's captured Amon-Ra?" Peter Rylands announced as they had coffee.

"They did, they want help in removing him from his host, who is their elected Prince," she revealed, little Callie was now snug in her arms. "We're waiting on word from the Tok'ra, we let them know of the Tarlingan's request. Then we'll go along with Colonel Mackenzie and hopeful a peace treaty can be reached."

"Do you think it's a trap?" Victor asked.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. "I'm hoping it's not."

Silence fell over them; Alyn saw Callie had fallen asleep on her mother's chest. "Why don't I go put her to bed."

"It's okay, I'll do it," she assured. "Stay and finish your coffee, I'll be fine," she said and carefully pushed her chair back. "Night guys."

"Night doc," they all said quietly.

She stood and walked out, carrying the sleeping child, Pharaoh trotting along beside her. She went to the quarters she kept on base, going into her daughters room, she laid her on her bed and covered her up. Preaching on the bed, she switched on the night light with a wave of her hand, having walked into the room without turning the light on. Pharaoh settled at the end of the bed on his mat. Ceri sat their for a while and watched her daughter sleep, smiling a little sadly. Tears welled in her eyes when she though of all Daniel was missing out on. Getting up she wondered out, leaving the door to the small room partly open. She turned on a lamp before shutting the main door and turning the overhead light out. Lying down on her bed she snuggled into her pillow and let the tears flow, slowly drifting off to sleep.

Rabbi's Residence:

Harm Rabb was curled up beside his wife; the house was silent, moonlight filtering in through the widow shinning on the bed. Mac was asleep, so were the twins in their room, he was the only one awake. He slipped his hand beneath the sheet and gentle kneaded her beast, rubbing the nipple with his thumb. She moaned happily in her sleep, so he kept doing it. When she moved to lay on her back, the sheet slid down and he took advantage of the situation, leaning over he took the nipple in his mouth and suckled gently while softly kneading the other, she moaned contently in her sleep. He lifted his head and saw she was still asleep, smiling he lent over the nipple he'd been kneading and suckled it, moving his hand down as he did, he rubbed at the soft, neatly trimmed curls he found between her thighs. She instinctively moved her legs apart and he gently caressed a callused finger against the sensitive skin there, hearing her groan, feeling her arousal build, fueling his own. Suckling a little harder, he slipped a finger deep within her; thrusting effortlessly, slowly bring her to the point of ecstasy.

Mac's eyes flew open, her sensors were on sexual overload and she cried out as a wave of pure bliss hit with force as she climaxed. "Oh God Harm."

He looked up, smiling, continuing to stroke her as her body convulsed in spasms of elation, taking her over again. When he stopped and moved his hand she was breathing hard. "Must have been some dream you were having there," he teased.

"Totally X rated," she said, getting her breath back. When she had, she pushed him back against the bed. "Though I feel you could do with a little X rated dreaming yourself," she said softly and licked one male nipple, feeling his body react, so she kept going, he was already painfully aroused; she could sense that.

He closed his eyes and moaned. "I think I'm going to like this dream."

"So do I," she mused and slowly moved down, leaving wet kisses down his abdomen. His hips went off the bed as her mouth enclosed over his engorged arousal, she pushed him back, licking and suckling, starting off slowly.

Harm gripped handfuls of the sheet. "Oh god, Sarah."

She felt a mental nudge from Ciaran and received an idea from him. She smiled inward. 'Thank you,' she told him and did what he suggested, coursing Harm's hips to lift off the bed once more and he cried out in pleasure.

"Sarah! Oh god, yes."

She did it to him again and again, sensing he was loosing all control, feeling her own body being to ach with want all over again, but this was for him. She added a little more pressure and sent him right over the edge and he felt into an abyss of ecstasy, climaxing hard, feeling he could barely breath. She smiled, as she moved back over him, like a cat that had licked the cream from the bowel. "Breath Harm," she mused.

"I'm trying, wildcat," he said breathlessly.

"Well you started it," she purred.

"So I did," he smirked and pinned her beneath him. "I think I need a little more though," he remarked, still aroused, picking up on her feelings. He thrust none to gently inside her, making her cry out and tighten around him, he moved within her as she wrapped her legs around his waist, her nails biting into his back.

She kissed him, thrusting her tongue into his mouth, deepening the kiss, she felt like she was on fire. Harder, Harm, I want it harder! She pleaded.

He did what she requested, pulling his mouth from hers, groaning as she tighten around him again.

"Faster Harm," she panted, and when his pace picked up she stifled a scream. Feeling herself ready to fall and fall hard again, her whole body just didn't tingle it raged with sexual energy. "Oh God Harm, I'm…" she couldn't finish, falling completely over the edge, her convulsing body pulling him over with her and they fell together.

Harm collapsed against her, his head buried into her shoulder as he breathed deeply, her body still in the after throws of passion, throbbing around his. "Wow."

"Oh yeah," she gasped, stroking his back as she released her hold on him with her legs. "Good thing you taught me about shielding, or I think all of Colorado Springs would be breathing heavily about now."

"No kidding," he managed to say and kissed her swollen lips gently. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said lovely. "Even if you did wake me up from this erotic dream I was having."

"Good was it?" He asked smirking.

"The best," she teased.

"Really?"

"Um," she moved her hips in slow circles. "Involved this sexy sailor I know."

"You mean the one where he make slow passionate love to you on the conference room table?" He inquired huskily.

"That's the one," she ran her foot down the back of his leg. "It was so real," she said with a sexy purr and kissed him, long and hard. "Of course I also like the one where he makes love to me in the shower."

Harm rolled them over so she was now lying on top of him. "Sounds interesting."

"It is," she said running her hands down his chest as she sat up. "Care to see if it's as good in reality as in my dreams?"

"Indeed," he quoted a certain Jaffa.

"Meet you in the shower," she said with a sexy grin and carefully got up, sauntering into the ensuite, pausing at the door as she flicked the light on. "Coming flyboy?"

Harm bit back a comment and got up, hurrying after her.

Cheyenne Mountain:

Deep within the mountain, in the quarters of Dr. Ceri Jackson, the archaeologist woke with a fright breathing heavily; glancing at the digital clock she saw it was twenty to five. Groaning she sat up, swinging her legs off the bed, she stood. Checking on Callie, she found the little girl was still asleep. Pharaoh lifted his head, looking at her before settling back down.

Leaving, Ceri grabbed her robe and toiletry bag, heading for the showers. By the time she returned from her shower, Alyn was standing outside the door to her quarters.

"Good morning," the nanny greeted.

"Morning."

They went inside, the nanny closing the door, watching the young woman drop her boots by the bed and hung up the towel. All so half-heartedly, as if her heart just wasn't in it, not this morning it seemed. "Did you sleep well?"

Ceri hugged herself; the robe she wore wasn't one of hers. It had been Daniel's. Like everything else he'd owned she hadn't been able to give any of it away. She couldn't let anything of his go, just like she couldn't let him go. "Not really," she turned. "Nightmares."

"About Daniel?"

She nodded, mentally shaking herself; she made a move to get dressed. "I can't let go, Alyn," she said truthfully. "I just keep expecting him to walk through the door."

"Perhaps one day he will," the elder woman speculated.

Ceri finished dressing, having chosen dark blue BDU's, she sat on the bed and pulled on her socks and boots. She did it without thought; in fact she realized she could of done it with her eyes closed. She sat there for a moment, squeezing her eyes shut after she'd finished, the wall of emotion built up in her chest, ready to explode.

"Ceri," Alyn sat down next to her, drawing the young woman into her arms, sensing the grief that nearly overwhelmed her. She'd thought the linguist had reached her breaking point, but it seemed these latest nightmares had been worse then usual and that point was coming close to happening. She gently rubbed her back and let her crying, knowing this was not it, not the conclusion to her pain. "It's going to be all right, honey," she promised. "One day you'll wake up and the pain will be gone."

"I don't want it to be gone," she sobbed. "When that happens, then he'll be gone, I don't want that."

"I know," Alyn told her tenderly and rocked her gently in her arms. She was going to have to have a talk with Jack. If this mission to Tarlinga went a head, then he needed to know about the nightmares and her belief the time was going to come when Ceri Jackson would reach her breaking point. A knock on the door broke into Alyn's thoughts. She sensed it was Teal'c; the Jaffa seemed to have an uncanny ability to turn up when Ceri was distressed or needed a friend. "Come in."

The door opened and the tall Jaffa entered, he hid his concern well. "I hope I am not disturbing you both?"

"No," Ceri pulled away, wiping her eyes and cheeks. "What's up Teal'c?"

"I wanted to know if you would like to join me in Kel'no'reem before breakfast?"

Alyn smiled. Thankful the Jaffa had made the request. "Go ahead," she assured. "I'll stay and get Callie up when she wakes. We'll meet you in the commissary."

Ceri agreed. "All right," she stood and went with Teal'c. Maybe mediation could calm her grief a little so she could get through the day; it had before.

In his quarters, they set out the candles, lit each one and sat on the floor cross-legged facing each other, settling into a meditative state, eyes closed.

Teal'c had always found Kel'no'reem satisfying when he had his symbiote, now without it, mediating wasn't the same. Now he mainly did it for peace of mind and clarity. The same reasons Ceri Jackson had asked to join him.

"You did the right thing."

Teal'c opened his eyes, finding himself not in his quarters but the Gate room. Before him was Daniel Jackson.

Daniel smiled and gave a small wave. "Hi Teal'c."

"Greetings Daniel Jackson," he welcomed, looking around. "Where are we?"

"In your subconscious," Daniel answered. "You're still in your quarters meditating." He saw the Jaffa ach an eyebrow, smiling. "I wanted to warn you."

"Warn me?"

"Yes," he hesitated, choosing his words careful. "Just be careful on Tarlinga and watch out for Ceri, she can be a little too trusting at times."

"And you were not?" The Jaffa asked him.

Daniel chuckled. "I see your point," he smirked, but quickly became serious. "Just be careful Teal'c, I don't trust Amon-Ra."

"Neither do I, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c assured. "I will look after Ceri Jackson as you have asked."

"Thank you Teal'c."

The Jaffa bowed his head, when he lifted it he was back in his quarters.

Ceri was watching him. "Are you all right, Teal'c?"

"I am fine, Ceri Jackson," he revealed and stood, helping her to her feet, an hour and a half had past by the clock. "Shall we get breakfast?" He asked, not dismissing the warning he'd received.

She agreed, sensing he didn't want to discuss what had happened or what he'd seen in his meditations. Blowing out the candles they put them way and left his quarters.

Alyn and Callie were waiting in the commissary with Jack, Sam and baby Danny. Getting breakfast, Ceri and Teal'c joined them, being welcomed by all, chatting as they had their breakfast.

Lt. Ryans, SG-2's linguist, came over to them as they were having coffee. "Morning," she greeted and addressed the archaeologist. "Dr. Jackson, I turned the lights off in your office last night and shut the door. Sergeant Cameron said he hadn't seen you for a while, so I thought you might have forgotten."

"Thanks Jodie."

"No problem, Ma'am," she said with a smile and walked off to join those of SG-2 who were present.

Jack glanced up from watching his son, who was snug in his arms suckling contently on his bottle. "Get off to bed early last night, kiddo?"

"I fell asleep waiting for Callie to," she admitted sheepishly, not wanting to tell him she'd cried herself to sleep. She picked up her empty coffee cup and headed for a refill.

"Ceri is having nightmares again," Alyn revealed quietly. "Bad ones."

"About Daniel?" Sam asked concerned, remembering the last time the young woman had been plagued by nightmares.

The nanny nodded. "I'm worried about her, she hasn't spoken to anyone other then Jonas about Daniel's death. She's bottling it up inside and I have a feeling she's approaching critical."

"Yeah well sending her to MacKenzie will just make her reach it faster." Jack remarked bitterly.

"I agree." Teal'c said bluntly. His faith in the base physiologist was limited.

Ceri retuned, sitting back down, she took a sip of coffee, noticing they'd stopped talking. She put her cup down. "Something wrong?"

"No." Jack answered for them all.

She didn't need to be a telepath to know he was lying, it was writing on his face, in fact it was written on all their faces. Picking up her coffee she got up again. "I've got work to do," she remarked and went around to her daughter, kissing the top of her head. "I'll see you all later," she informed and walked out.

Alyn sighted. "She knows we were talking about her."

"Ya think," Jack said sarcastically, taking the cloth nappy from his wife, he laid it over his shoulder and shifted his son to it, patting his back. "I'll talk to Ceri later."

"Perhaps I should, O'Neill." Teal'c suggested.

"Maybe we should just leave her alone," Sam told them. "If she needs to talk she'll find us."

Silently they agreed, even Alyn. "Callie and I better get to day care, the Rabb's will be arriving soon and my two assistance will need all the help they can get," she announced, trying to be a little cheerful. She stood and picked up the toddler. "Lets go sweetheart."

"We'll be down in a little while," Sam said.

"We'll be waiting," she put the toddler down and held her hand as they walked out slowly.

Danny O'Neill chose the moment they left the commissary to burp loudly, making his mother blush, his father mummer 'that's my boy', as everyone else in the room chuckled.

Ceri didn't go to her office as she'd said she was. She found herself in the conference room, standing before the glass window, staring out at the twenty-two foot spinning artifact that had changed her life. Not all for the good, but for the most part it had. She sipped her coffee and sighed.

Sergeant Harriman walked in on his way to the General's office. "Good morning, Doctor Jackson."

She smiled warmly, acknowledging him. "Morning Walter."

He took the files he'd been carrying into the office, noticing as he walked out she was still staring out the window. "Is everything all right, Doctor Jackson?"

She nodded. "I was just reflecting Walter."

He stood next to her, smiling a little. "I remember the first time you stood here, you seemed so young."

"I was young," she said softly. "Young and innocent of so many things."

He knew what she meant. "We all were in the beginning," he said, and then left.

Ceri stayed there, watching the Gate begin to spin and the announcement of 'incoming traveler' was made. It opened with a whoosh and a few minutes later SG-3 stepped through the event horizon from P3C-442. She saw Lt. Colonel McConnell spot her and give a nod, she returned it and gave a small wave, with a smile. He smiled back wearily, as did the rest of his team before they left, the gate closing down.

General Hammond came into the conference room. "Morning Doctor Jackson."

She turned. "Good morning, General."

A frown creased his brow. "Is something wrong, doctor?" He asked as he joined her.

"No sir," she assured. "I was just taking a moment to reflect."

"Aha, I do that myself," he admitted. "There are days when I look out there and realize just how lucky we've been and how much we've learnt."

"And how much we haven't?" She added.

"Yes."

Looking back at the Gate, Ceri smiled. "There are days I think I've seen it all and then we encounter another race, planet, that just proves, we have so much we haven't seen." She turned. "I'd better get back to work," she said and started to walk away.

Hammond called her back. "Ceri," she stopped and turned, and he continued. "I'm glad you remain with us."

She smiled. "So am I, sir," she said, and then walked out.

PXC-81799: Tarlinga (Two days later)

SG-1 stepped out of the Stargate along with Colonel Mackenzie-Rabb. Stepping not into the field those who'd been there before remembered, but into a large chamber high up in a tree. Though they didn't come heavily armed, they did carry side arms, 9 millimeters and Zats.

Ambassador Taren greeted them. "Welcome to Tarlinga."

"Thank you," Ceri acknowledged, she gestured to Jonas, who stood next to her. "This is Jonas Quinn, he's also a member of SG-1."

Taren bowed her head. "Welcome."

Ceri then gestured to the Marine. "And Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie-Rabb, from SG-9, she'll be negotiating the treaty."

"Welcome," the Ambassador greeted, gesturing for them to follow her. "Please, come this way."

They followed her. "You've shifted your Gate," Jack noted.

"Yes, we wanted to have some control over it," she revealed. "Which is why we have the shield." She looked to Ceri, refraining from calling her highness. "Dr. Jackson, we were expecting your husband."

Ceri didn't miss a beat. "Daniel wasn't able to come," she said, dismissing it.

"I see." Taren felt she wasn't being told something. "The Tok'ra arrived as you said they would. They removed the Goa'uld from our Prince and took it with them."

"How is he?" Sam asked.

"Prince A'aron is in good health," she answered. "So far he is handling what has happened to him remarkably well." She led them through the maze of corridors, into a large meeting room.

Ceri remembered it. Present were the Prince, his aid, Chawn and the senior riders. A shiver ran up the linguist spine when she looked at the Prince, though she didn't sense any symbiote, it was an involuntary reaction.

"Your highness," Taren said. "I present SG-1, Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Dr. Jackson, Teal'c and Jonas Quinn," she introduced. "And Lt. Colonel Mackenzie, from SG-9, who'll be negotiating the treaty."

The young man smiled warmly, his gaze settled on one person in the group, he moved towards her slowly, finding the closer he got, the more the men of the Tau're edged closer to her. He saw her tighten the grip on her weapon strapped to her thigh and for a moment he hesitated, but determination won over, he wasn't going to let his own fears stop him from doing this. "I want to apologize for the pain and suffering you were put through, Dr. Jackson." He said, remembering to address her as such.

Ceri swallowed hard. "You didn't do anything, your highness, it was Amon-Ra," she said calmly.

"I witnessed the things he did though my own eyes, that is something that is very hard to forget," he said with reverence. "Please except my apology."

She bowed her head a little. "Then I will."

He was relieved. "Thank you," he glanced at the others, a funny feeling eloping him when he settled his gaze on the Marine. "You carry a symbiote."

Mac nodded, keeping her movement slow and peaceful. "A Tok'ra symbiote, your highness. Ciaran."

"Is that going to be a problem?" Jack asked bluntly.

"No," the Prince said regaining his composure. "Please will you sit?"

They did around the large conference table, Jack making sure Ceri was seated between Jonas and Teal'c; he trusted both men to protect his daughter.

Mac took the led. "Your highness, on behalf of the people of Earth, we thank you for this opportunity to visit your planet," she began. "I will be negotiating the peace treaty with you, I hope we'll be able to come to a satisfactory conclusion that will benefit both the Tau're and the Tarlingan's."

"As do I, Colonel Mackenzie. I wish our people to be friends." A'aron said hopefully.

"As do we, your highness." Mac agreed.

Negotiations went well to start with, all parties agreeing until it came to the request of a base on the planet.

"Is this a necessity?" Taren asked.

"It is a request, Ambassador," Jack stated becoming agitated.

Ceri ignored the two of them and addressed the Prince. "Your highness, the base will be a research station manned mostly by scientists, with a small military contingent," she explained. "Your world is amazing, we'd merely like to explore it more closely. I'm sure it can be arranged to have Tarlingan scientists work closely with the Tau're."

He was impressed. "I see no problem with that."

"Thank you, your highness."

"What about the military personal?" The Ambassador inquired.

Mac sighed. "Ambassador Taren, the SG teams that will be based at the station will do so to gain off world experience. They'll do training and help with experiments. The teams will rotate on monthly bases. You may find at times, there will be no military personal at all on the base. Then our scientists will be under Tarlingan protection."

That satisfied the Ambassador. "Very well."

"Perhaps a short recess is required," the Prince suggested.

All agreed, standing. The Prince and his aid left and then the Ambassador and senior riders.

Mac looked to Ceri. "Thank you."

She shrugged. "I didn't do much," she remarked and walked over to the windows, looking out. "Negotiating with Ambassadors is sometimes like talking to children, you have to talk slowly and spell everything out for them."

"The voice of experience." Jonas noted.

She nodded solemnly.

Jack sat back down, leaning back in his chair. "So what now?"

"Now we wait." Mac told him.

"I don't do waiting real well," he remarked and looked to his surrogate daughter. "Ceri?"

She turned, her arms folded against her chest. "The Prince and Ambassador Taren are discussing it with the Senior Riders," she revealed, eavesdropping telepathically. "So far all are in agreement."

"And?" Sam asked. She stood near her husband's chair.

"The Ambassador is worried about Prince A'aron and she doesn't like me ignoring her and talking directly to him." Ceri added.

"Do you see her as a threat, Ceri Jackson?" Teal'c asked.

"No," she shook her head. "It's mere jealousy."

"So?" Jonas inquired.

Jack got to his feet. "So, now we do some exploring," he stated. They left the room, finding the corridor was unguarded. "Okay Space monkey 2 which way?"

"The keep is circular, so eventually we'll come back to this point."

"Well then, in that case, Mac, Carter and I, will take left. You, Teal'c and Jonas, take the right. Be careful."

Nodding they split up and headed in different directions.

"So what do we say if we're found wondering around?" Jonas asked rhetorically.

"That you wanted to see the Cha?" Ceri answered, using the Tallisian word for dragon.

"Ooooh-kay."

"They are most impressive," Teal'c stated. "To look at and to ride."

"So are we going there?" He asked.

Ceri nodded. "The dragon's are sensitive to life, they should be able to tell us what's bothering Taren about the Prince."

"And they'll just tell us?"

"I'm hoping so," she replied. Leading them to one of the dragon's hollow, they went in slowly.

Jonas was amazed at the sight of the large brown dragons. "Wow."

Ceri smiled. "Impressive, aren't they." She spotted the dragon she'd been expecting. A large brown that had speaks of red mixed though it's hide. The beast lumbered over to her. "Hello Sha'lina," she greeted.

The dragon bowed her head. "We are honored by your return Princess," Sha'lina said, she nuzzled her hand.

Ceri rubbed the dragon's muzzle. "You look well my friend."

"I am, Princess."

"These are my friends," the Tallisian introduced. "Teal'c and Jonas Quinn."

The dragon nuzzled Teal'c's abdomen, looking up. "You no longer have a youngling."

"No, I am a free Jaffa."

Sha'lina nuzzled his chest. "You are brave, friend Teal'c."

"Thank you Sha'lina."

She then turned to Jonas, nuzzling the hand he offered, letting him stroke her muzzle. "You are wise my friend."

"Thank you," he said with a grin.

A second dragon lumbered over to them, this was Jar'lin, Sha'lina's mate. "Disa said you have come back to make peace?"

Ceri nodded. "Yes," she hesitated. "Are you happy to have your Prince back?"

"He has many demons, now," Jar'lin declared. "His life signature is not strong, neither is his will."

"We are worried about him." Sha'lina added. "He will leave us again."

"What do you mean?" Jonas inquired.

"We are not sure, but we know he is not long for us," the dragon informed.

Ceri glanced to her companions; she didn't need to say anything, all were thinking the same thing. "We'll leave you to your rest," she told the dragons.

"You did no disturb us, Princess," Sha'lina assured. "We hope to see you again."

"I'm sure we will," she assured and along with Teal'c and Jonas, left the hollow. Seeing Trey and Janus coming towards them.

Jonas was grinning from ear to ear, he played his part well especially since he truly was amazed. "I didn't think they would be soo…." He let his voice fade.

Ceri chuckled. "They are incredible."

Trey greeted them. "Dr. Jackson, Teal'c, Mr. Quinn, we've been looking for you."

"I wanted to see the dragon's," Jonas, said grinning. "That was all right, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Janus said. "If you had said something, I would have arranged for it."

"That's all right, Dr. Jackson remembered the way."

"Yes of course," the Tarlingan said. "This way please." He gestured and they followed him and Trey.

Ceri glanced to Teal'c. Something is wrong. He's agitated.

The Jaffa nodded, but didn't say anything. They were escorted back to the meeting room, where the rest of SG-1 and Mackenzie were waiting. This time a guard was outside the door.

"So what ya find?" Jack asked leaning against the table, arms folded against his chest.

"The dragons don't believe the Prince is long for this life," Ceri revealed. "They said his life signature isn't strong, nor his will."

"Which mean?" Mac asked confused.

"They think he's suicidal," the Tallisian answered, adding. "It makes sense really, he feels he's fighting a battle in his mind."

"Could Amon-Ra have done something to him?" Sam inquired.

"It's possible," she agreed and looked to Mac, but asked her symbiote the question. "Ciaran, could the symbiote have left behind a subconscious message?"

Mac blinked, giving control to him. "I believe so, a key word could be used to trigger a response."

"Like what?" Jack asked, going on alert.

"A name, place, it could be anything."

Ceri walked over to the windows deep in thought, she stood in this very place with Daniel after finding out she was pregnant. Squeezing her eyes shut she opened her sensors, letting for a brief moment the life of the planet and all who were present invade, slowly she silenced them all until one voice was heard. She slammed her shields back into place.

Teal'c saw her waver and was instantly at her side, grabbing her before she could fall. "Ceri Jackson?"

She was pale. "It's Daniel."

"What?" Jack asked.

"The key word is Daniel," she answered, rushing her words a little. "Amon-Ra knows Daniel is dead, he also knew the Tarlingans would repent once his hold on them diminished and they'd contact us. He made sure they got their Prince back…. Oh God…. He's planed this… I'm his target."

"That's it," Jack was streamed. "No snake is going to use some innocent kid to do his dirty work. Can he be un-programmed?"

She nodded, still visible shaken. "If I can get into his mind I believe so."

"What are you going to do, Colonel?" Ciaran asked.

"I'm putting an end to this," he said and stormed out, they hurried to follow him. The guard outside didn't have a chance, before he knew what was happening he was flat on his back unconscious.

"This might not be a good idea, Colonel." Jonas pointed out.

"He's right Jack." Sam agreed as they rushed to keep up with him. Finding her husband ignoring her, when he was like this, there was not stopping him.

Teal'c remained at Ceri's side; he would protect her as asked.

"Which way, Ceri?" Jack asked

"Straight down this corridor, then turn right," she told him. "They're in the throne room."

"How many?"

"Just the Ambassador and Prince A'aron."

They made it to the throne room with little to no resistance, barging in unannounced.

Ambassador Taren was startled. "Colonel O'Neill, what is the meaning of this?" She asked angrily.

Jack had drawn his weapon, aiming at the Prince. "His highness here has been programmed to kill a member of my team, Ambassador, I'm going to see that never happens."

"This is ridicules Colonel. Lower your weapon!" She demanded.

He ignored her, his eyes locked on the Prince. "Not going to happen."

Ceri moved forward a little. "Ambassador, Amon-Ra had programmed a keyword into the Prince's mind. Once said, the programming will take over, then the man you know as Prince A'aron will no longer exist."

"You have no proof," the Ambassador snarled.

"But we do," Jack said calmly. "DANIEL."
Anger flared in the Prince's eyes and he backhanded the Ambassador, sending her flying across the room like a rag doll. He produced a weapon from behind his back, pointing it at his target. "Did you really think you could defy your god?"

"He's not my god," Ceri stated.

"Put the weapon down!" Jack ordered.

"I think not." A'aron snarled and pointed the weapon at him, firing, sending him flying for cover, along with Mac, Sam and Jonas as the room shook with the explosions. The Prince brought the weapon back to bear on his target; the Jaffa, having pushed her behind him, now protected her. "Move Shol've, or meet your fate along with her."

"I have no fear of dying." Teal'c stated.

Faith, Ceri, she heard Daniel's voice whisper into her mind. You can defeat A'aron; your abilities are there. They're just waiting to be brought to the surface.

She closed her eyes and relaxed, standing with her hands at her side, feeling the telekinetic energy around her drawing on it. She could sense her husband's presence, it wrapped around her like a warm blanket. She opened her eyes, determination flared in them. "Move Teal'c," she said calmly. "He can't hurt me."

He didn't move. "Are you sure Ceri Jackson?"

"I'm sure," she said placidly and he moved; she stood open before her attacker.

He fired, but the telekinetic shield she produced, harmlessly absorbed the blaster bolts. He screamed out in frustration and fired again, getting the same results.

Jack took that moment to fire his Zat gun, bring the Prince down.

Ceri released the shield and hurried over to the A'aron, kneeling she put her hands either side of his head and closed her eyes, going into his mind. She fought against the mental shields Amon-Ra had created in his mind and the ones A'aron had built to save a little of himself when the Goa'uld had taken him as a host.

Ambassador Taren sat up, seeing what was happening. The commotion having brought the senior riders into the room, waiting for her to take command of the situation "What is she doing?" The Ambassador demanded.

"She's trying to help him," Sam said forcefully.

Ceri fought hard, but found she was fighting a losing battle.

"Ceri?"

She opened her eyes and found herself in the meeting room with the Prince, Darien and her husband. "Daniel," she went to him, being drawn into his arms.

He kissed her forehead. "Everything is all right now," he assured.

"Dr. Jackson," the Prince addressed her.

She turned. "Your highness."

"Please, stop?" He asked her. "Let me go." He smiled a little. "It's what I want."

"A'aron is going to be fine, Ceri." Darien assured.

She understood and nodded.

"Thank you."

Ceri opened her eyes and removed her hands from the Prince's head, sitting back.

"What are you doing?" Taren commanded. "Help him!"
She shook her head. "He doesn't want it, he's ready to go." She said softly. "It's what he wants."

"Go? Go where?" The Ambassador questioned confused.

The Prince took his last breath, and then slipped peacefully away, releasing his burden. His body became pure energy and dissipated into a beautiful white glow. Slowly ascending towards the ceiling and straight through it.

"What…. What happened?" Taren stumbled.

"He ascended." Jonas answered her, helping Mac to her feet. "To a higher plane of existence."

"Then who will lead us?" She asked gravely.

"I believe I can be off assistance," a regal voice announced.

They all looked, seeing a young man standing there, dressed similar to the Tarlingan's. None one had seen him arrive, he was just there. Ceri smiled and got to her feet, going over to him. "Darien." She hugged her brother, finding he'd taken human form.

He held her close. "I'm really here, little sister."

The Tarlingan's realized who he was and bowed, the Ambassador instantly on her feet, bowing. "Your highness."

Darien smiled. "Ambassador Taren," he greeted. Then glanced at the Colonel, who was helping his wife up off the floor. "Colonel O'Neill."

"Your highness, good to see you again." Jack greeted cheerfully.

"Thank you for looking after my sister."

"It was nothing."

The heir to a lost planet knew the man was joking. He looked back to his sister. "This is my chance to help the people of Tarlinga, my journey has taken a new path. Have faith," he began and finished telepathically. Daniel's will also, I promise.

She hugged him again. I can wait.

I know you can, have patients, he will return to you. Darien promised and kissed her forehead. Then addressed the Tarlinga's. "Centuries ago our people became one, if you will accept me, I will lead you now and join our people once more."

"We'd be honored, your highness," Taren accepted. "Welcome to Tarlinga. Welcome home."

"Thank you, Ambassador," he said formally and addressed the Marine Colonel. "I believe Colonel Mackenzie, we have a treaty to complete."

She was a little startled by how much he looked like her husband; shaking herself mentally she answered him. "Yes. Yes your highness."

"Shell we," he invited and they left the throne room with the Ambassador and the senior riders.

Teal'c put his hand on Ceri's arm. "Are you all right, Ceri Jackson?"

She nodded and smiled warmly. "I believe so, Teal'c," she reassured. "For the first time, in a long time, I truly believe I am."

Two days later the signing of the treaty took place on Earth at Stargate Command, the new Prince of Tarlinga having arrived with the Ambassador, his aid and two senior riders. Once the formalities were over, Darien got to meet his nieces and nephew, not to mention his half brother, finding he could feel no ill will towards the man.

"General Hammond informed me he had a message sent to Ambrosia, letting Tal'en know she is welcome back on Tarlinga, when she's ready to return," he informed them. They were at Ceri's home; the General had seen no reason why the Prince could not leave the base, as long as precautions were taken.

"I'm sure when she's ready, she'll return, or perhaps some of the Cha can travel to Ambrosia, they are peaceful people," Ceri noted. "They would welcome them."

"Perhaps."

"When do you return to Tarlinga?" Harm asked his half brother.

"This evening. A coronation has been planned for tomorrow, the Ambassador's idea." Darien answered, sighing.

"You're going to have to keep a tight rein on that one," Jack remarked. "She's a stubborn woman."

"I've started to realize that," he mused. "However she is tame compared to my father."

"Oh yeah." Jack had to agree, remembering Lord Tha'an.

Callie crawled onto her uncle's lap. "Tay?" she asked him.

"I'm sorry sweetheart, I can't," he told her gently. "But perhaps you and your mom can come and visit me? Would you like that?" She nodded. He smiled as she snuggled closer, if the Goa'uld hadn't of attacked is planet he would have married his love and had children of his own.

Ceri put a hand on his arm. "You're welcome to come visit us any time," she offered, sensing his melancholy.

"Thank you."

"Your highness," Chawn spoke up, he'd accompanied the Prince along with Zenos, one of senior riders. "It is time to return."

"Very well," he reluctantly agreed. He hugged his little niece. "Be a good girl for your mother now," he whispered and saw her nod her little head. He put her down and stood, as did everyone else. He held out his hand to his brother. "I'm glad I got to know you Harm."

"I'm glad we got the chance too," Harm agreed, shaking hand.

"You, Sarah and the twins are always welcome on Tarlinga."

"Thank you."

Mac gave him a quick hug. "You're welcome to visit us too," she insisted.

"I'll remember that."

Jack shook his hand next. "Good luck."

"Thank you, Colonel," he said and received a quick hug from Sam and a handshake from Jonas.

Ceri escorted them outside, Teal'c having driven them to the house. She gave her brother a hug. "Be happy, Darien."

"I will little sister," he assured. He kissed her forehead. Then got in the black Air Force SUV, along with Chawn and Zenos.

Teal'c bowed his head to Ceri and got in the drivers, side. She stood back as the vehicle started up and back out, waving a little as it drove away. Going back inside the house, she shut the door, leaning against it.

Jonas was waiting for her. "Are you all right?"

She nodded, smiling a little. "Yeah," she accepted the hug he offered and stood there in his arms. "I have faith."

A frown creased his brow, but he didn't ask her what she meant, he had a feeling he already knew.

Stargate Command: A month later

Jack walked happily down the corridor, having left his wife in her lab, fiddling with a doohickey. Coming to the elevator, he swiped his security card and waited, scrapping his card at flaking paint. When the elevator arrived he waited for the airman to excite before entering, inserting his card he pressed the button for leave 28, the elevator started to move after the doors closed. He chuckled over something Sam had said, he'd shocked the hell out of her by offering a little advice on the doohickey she was working on, being right, as he'd been leaving. The look on her face had been priceless. He chuckled again and pocketed his card.

The elevator jarred to a halt, the lights suddenly dimmed, bringing him out of his good mode. He picked up the phone. "Hello? This is… Hello?" He found it dead.

'Jack?'

Putting the phone to his ear, Jack wondered if he'd heard whom he thought he had.

'Jack,' the voice said again. 'Hi Jack."

Pushing back his skepticism and a touch of eagerness, Jack turned, seeing Daniel, who gave him a little wave.

'Jack, Abydos is in trouble. Anubis is on his way. He's after the Eye of Ra,' Daniel revealed. 'He's managed to track down the other five; he only needs Ra's to complete the set. He's looked everywhere Ra use to hang out except Abydos; now he's on his way there.'

Jack turned back and put the handset back on its rest and mumbled. "I'm sure that was an aspirin I took this morning."

Daniel tried again. 'Jack, its really me. You have to help. We don't have much time. Anubis can't get the sixth eye.'

Jack took it all in his stride. "Hey Daniel, how you doin?" He greeted. "Long time. How are things on the higher planes?"

Seeing he wasn't going to get anywhere with Jack unless he went through the motions, Daniel turned away, grimacing. He could do this. He then turned back, leaning casually against the elevator wall, arms crossed casually. 'Hey Jack long time no see. How, how you doing?"

"Fine," his friend answered. "Just fine."

'The knees? The back. Everything's….'

"Oh you know, kind of weather contingent actually," Jack dismissed nonchalant.

'Right, right, right, so what's new? How's little Danny?'

"He's great, has all the females on the base swooning, much like his name sake," he saw Daniel roll his eyes and continued. "And today a funny thing happened to me, I'm riding an elevator and an old friend of mine, someone who never calls, never writes…" He saw Daniel roll his eyes again, enjoying this just a little more then he should have been. "Just shows up and tells me all about this very important and apparently urgent mission that needs my attention."

'You gonna help, or, or…' Daniel started but was interrupted.

"No, wait, wait!" Jack demanded. "Let me tell it, it's good. You see this buddy of mine, this pal, this chum, my son-in-law, has… ascended to a whole new level of existence." He saw Daniel point skyward and nod, continuing with a touch of sarcasm to his voice. "Do you see the irony? He's asking for my help and he's this great and powerful being."

Daniel sighed. 'Jack, we've been though this, I can't actually do anything.'

"See, I'm still not clear on that," the Colonel retorted.

'The Others have rules, just talking to you is a violation.'

"What like jay walking, double parking, what?" Jack asked him.

'The point is,' Daniel stated bluntly. 'Taking action that changes human existence, that's a big one.'

He supposed it would be, but he wasn't finished. "Let me ask you this. Have you met any of these Other guys?"

'No.' Daniel admitted.

"Well then, how do you know they're any kind of threat?"

'Oh that's, that's a good one,' Daniel remarked. 'As it is, Oma's an outcast because she believes that helping people ascend is our duty.'

"And that's…okay?" Jack asked trying to make sense of it all.

'Technically, no,' he admitted. 'But she does it anyway. Those of us that follow her are walking a very fine line.'

"Why don't they try and stop her?"

'I don't know.'

Jack found that amusing. "You don't know?"

Daniel shrugged. 'No I don't know. All I know is what Oma has taught me. Ascension doesn't make you all knowing or all-powerful. It is just the beginning of the journey. The point is, if I were to help you, if I were to take any action to help you, Oma would step in and stop me herself to avoid drawing the wrath of the Others. If they wanted too, they could stop everything she's been trying to do for a long, long time. I can't jeopardize that,' he concluded as the lights came on in the elevator started moving.

"So what do we do?" Jack asked him, the playfulness gone.

'Find the Eye and destroy it.'

"It's here." Jack revealed. "On base."

'What?' Daniel asked surprised.

"It was found on a dig, and brought to us, we have the Eye and the Tablet."

'Then either keep it, hide or destroy it, whatever, just don't let Anubis get it. We don't have much time, you need to find away to protect the people of Abydos, they'll help you however they can,' Daniel told him. 'Please Jack, don't let Anubis annihilate them.'

Nodding, Jack ran his hand through his hair, when he looked back, the elevator was deserted except for him. It stopped on level twenty-eight; Jack got out and quickly made arrangement to getting everyone to meet him at the briefing room. Under an hour later he had Hammond, Sam, Teal'c, Ceri and Jonas seated at the table, while he paced, laying out the given information. "Obviously, we can't match forces with Anubis, but apparently the Abydonian's are willing to back us on this one."

"Colonel," Hammond inquired intrigued. "How'd you come by this Intel?"

Jack cleared his throat, leaning against the back of his chair. "I didn't say?"

"No, you didn't," his CO noted.

He paused and cleared his throat again. Revealing. "Daniel told me."

Both Sam and Jonas were surprised. "You saw Daniel Jackson?" He asked.

Jack nodded. "Actually it's not the first time." He revealed and saw both Teal'c and Ceri were a little unsettled.

"Is he all right?" Sam asked her husband aguishly, wondering why he'd never said anything before.

"What else did he say?" Hammond asked right after her.

"Whoa, wait. You guys don't think I'm nuts… or anything… like that?" Jack asked them surprised at how well they were handling it. He pulled back the chair and sat down.

"I too have recently seen Daniel Jackson." Teal'c announced.

"Really?" Sam asked him surprised.

"So have I," Ceri added. "More then once."

They all glanced at her. "Why didn't you say anything?" Jack asked them. "Either of you?"

"Why did you not?" Teal'c questioned him.

"Well," he hesitated. "To be honest, I wasn't quiet sure it was really happening the first time."

"Neither was I," the Jaffa admitted and both glanced at Ceri.

"I didn't know if you were ready to hear it or not," she admitted.

"Yeah well personally I think this whole ascension thing is overrated," Jack commented. "And he offered it too me."

"Me too," Ceri said and shrugged at their shocked faces, continuing. "Well I was dying at the time."

"Did he happen to tell you how we defeat, Anubis?" Sam asked getting them back on track.

"No. He did say to either destroy the eye, hide it or whatever. As long as Anubis doesn't get hold of it."

Hammond sat forward in his chair. "That's good enough for me, Colonel."

"So how do we keep the people of Abydos safe from Anubis?" Ceri asked them. "From what dad said, we don't have much time."

"Could we relocate them?" Jonas suggested.

"There are five thousand or more people on Abydos."

"What about the woman and children, we could at least try to get them to safety."
Sam saw the sense in that. "That could be possible, but where?"

"What about Tallisia's moon, M5C 799," Ceri suggested. "Because the moon was knocked off it's axis, it's seventy-five percent desert and it has it's own Stargate. With supplies they'd be all right for a short period of time."

"Agreed," Hammond announced. "I'll send SG-5 and 13 to set up a temporary camp on the moon." He pushed back his chair. "Lets move people."

Forty-five minutes latter, SG-1, and 2 were kitted up and ready to go, the Gate opened. SG-5 and 13 having already been sent through the Gate to M5C 799 to set up the camp for the Abydonian's. From the control room, General Hammond announced over the speakers. "SG-1and 2, you have a go, good luck and god speed."

"Lets go kids," Jack ordered and they followed him through, stepping out of the Gate inside the temple on Abydos, the gate closed down when they were through.

Skarra and his troops were ready to fight, a pre-sent FRED having brought weapons and supplies. Kasuf and the women and children of the tribe were also there.

He greeted Ceri. "Good daughter, I have the women and children ready to go, as Daniel told me too."

Ceri wasn't surprised. "Thank you good father, the General sent SG-5 and 13 to Maldalisia, they are waiting for you," she informed. "We must hurry," she went over to the DHD as Jack organized everyone remaining. She dialed the Gate; it opened with a whoosh, startling some of the children. She spoke to them in Abydonian, assuring them it was all right. She then spoke to Kasuf. "Please good father, we must hurry."

He nodded and ushered the women and children through, reassuring them, Ceri helped, most were more frightened by the Gate then actually leaving their home. Finally all but Kasuf were through.

"You must go too, good father," Ceri insisted.

"And you good daughter?"

"I'm staying," she saw he was going to protest. "I'll be fine good father, Daniel will protect me."

Reluctantly he agreed, hugging her quickly before stepping though the Gate, it closed down after he was gone. Ceri rejoined her team, who was with Skarra, SG-2 having taken up position outside the temple with the Abydonian's.

"What do we do now, O'Neill?" Skarra asked.

"Somehow we have to convince Anubis the Eye isn't here," he remarked.

"How?"

"Well I was kinda hoping Daniel would have a few ideas," Jack remarked, glancing around. "Oh come on, I know you're here," he said raising his voice. "We're here because you asked!"

'I know that Jack,' said a calm voice behind them.

They all turned. Ceri smiling. "Daniel."

He smiled back. 'Ceri,' he nodded to Carter and Quinn. 'Sam, Jonas.' He greeted. 'Anubis has arrived, he's sending ground troops as we speak.'

"So what do we do, we can't hold them off," Jack stated.

'I know that too,' Daniel stated. 'What about the Eye?'

"Its back at the SGC, only a few of us know it's even there." Sam revealed.

'Good.'

"Jaffa, Daniel," Jack reminded.

'You know I can't do anything Jack,' he said conflicted. 'I'm walking a fine line as it is.'

"Then damn well cross it," the Colonel snarled as they heard the sound of explosions and gunfire. "Or we're going to be slaughtered."

Realizing he was right, Daniel nodded. 'I'll be back,' he said and became a bright white glow of energy, dissipating.

"Until then people, take positions, we'll hold them off as long as we can." Jack ordered and turned to the Jaffa with them. "T, stick with the doc."

He nodded and moved to where Ceri had taken position behind a column, reading his weapon, as she did.

Harm's voice came over the radio. "We can't hold them off, there's too many of them."

"Fall back to the temple," Jack ordered from where he was held up. "All right people, watch for friendlies."

The sound of gun fire and staff blasts got closer, then Abydonian's rushed in along with SG-2, taking up positions, taking out Jaffa that tried to come in. They heard the rings, Jack waited and as soon as the Jaffa were there he stated firing, even as the rings went up, taking them out, Ceri and Teal'c firing from the opposite side. Several Abydonian's fell, they couldn't hold them back. Ceri knew they were fighting a losing battle, cringing as Read and Williams fell, injured but alive. She closed her eyes and drew upon the telekinetic energy in the room, focusing it, opening her eyes she stepped out into the line of fire, her hands before her, creating a shield between them and the Jaffa. Staff blast ricocheted and sizzled off it. "I can't keep this up for long!"

They got Williams and Read bringing them closer to the Gate, which suddenly came on.

"Anubis has dialed in, we can't get out that way," Sam yelled.

"Damn it!" Jack swore.

"Get to the catacombs!" Ceri shouted. "Hurry!"

Skarra went a head, lighting the way, Jonas and Sam help Ryans and Harm with the injured, Jack realized Ceri was standing on the ring plate form when it was too late, they encircled her and she was transported away as Jaffa were brought in. With the telekinetic shield gone, the Jaffa came in firing, Jack and Teal'c fired back, moving into the catacombs. Teal'c blasted the entrance with a grenade, buying them some time.

"That won't hold them for long, O'Neill," Teal'c noted.

"I know, let's move," he insisted.

Daniel appeared a few minutes later. 'Where's Ceri?'

"She was on the ring plate form when the Jaffa came down," Jack told him.

'She's on Anubis' ship,' he realized and was about to leave again when Jack stopped him.

"What about us?"

'Tell them you have the Eye, and if they try anything you'll destroy it.' Daniel told them, and then was gone.

"Great," he mumbled.

Daniel arrived on Anubis' ship; Ceri was on her knees on the floor before the Goa'uld. Herak stood behind her, his staff weapon pointed at her head, P-90 and sidearm gone.

"Welcome Daniel Jackson," Anubis greeted, he stood and walked over to him. "As you can see I have your wife."

'Leave her alone.'

"Bring me the Eye and I'll let her go free."

'The Eye isn't on Abydos, it's gone.'

"Your lying, you shouldn't lie to me," he threatened. "You don't know whom your dealing with."

He now stood before Daniel, who watched as the shield came down and Anubis' true form was revealed as his face glowed, he was an ascended being.

Ceri saw it. "Daniel. Warn Jack!" She saw him hesitate. "Go!"

He did, arriving back on the planet, to see things hadn't gone well there, the two SG-teams and remaining Abydonian's were barricaded in the secret chamber found last time, it wasn't going well by the number of Jaffa standing in the main catacombs.

"Anubis really must want the Eye in one piece if his boys are holding off from just shooting their way in here." Jack was saying.

'He does, but he also knows we don't have it, they don't.' Daniel announced.

Sam looked but kept her P-90 aimed at the Jaffa. "Where were you?"

'Busy, busy,' he revealed, and then paused; closing his eyes he realized he wasn't alone. Opening them again. "Oma's here, she's watching me."

"And?" Jack asked him, seeing something had changed.

'And I don't care any more. Anubis has Ceri and he's one of us.' Daniel said pissed off.

"What?"

'At least partly in some…. bastardized way.'

"Daniel, what are you talking about?" Sam asked him, the others were confused also.

'The Goa'uld Anubis use to be figured out how to ascend.'

"He was believed to have been dead for quiet some time." Teal'c declared.

'The Others didn't want him.'

"That's understandable," Jonas taunted.

'They sent him back. At least they tried, but not all the way.' Daniel explained.

"What is he now?" Sam asked.

'He's still some form of energy, that black mask is a shield; it's keeping his form intact. He's stuck somewhere between human existence and ascension.'

"Why have the Others allowed him to remain that way?" Teal'c asked him.

'I don't know. Maybe they couldn't exile him completely.' Daniel theorized.

"Or maybe they just don't care?" Jack offered his own explanation.

Daniel nodded. 'Maybe you're right, either way he's still very powerful.'

"And explains his mastery of Ancient technology." Sam added. "The Others being Ancients."

"So what now?" Jack asked.

'Right about now a fleet of System Lord motherships are surrounding Anubis, I warned them what he could do if he got the Eye.'

"Nice."

Daniel nodded. 'While he's busy with them, I'll get Ceri free and…'

"You're gonna kick his ass?"

'If I have to.' Daniel answered trying to be confident.

"Good luck." Sam offered.

'You too, hopefully now the fighting has started he'll recall his troops and withdrawal.'

"We can defeat them, Dan-yel," Skarra assured him. "Save Ceri."

"Bring her and yourself home, Daniel." Jack ordered.

He nodded and then was gone. He arrived back on Anubis' ship, determined to free his wife, the System Lords were firing everything they had at Anubis, whose shields seemed to be holding and despite everything was still getting the upper hand. Daniel's concerns though were for Ceri, who was still a captive. 'Let my wife go.'

Anubis laughed. "Why should I?" He demanded. "She is my hostage, bring me the Eye and she goes free."

'I don't have the Eye.' Daniel told him.

Herak turned and fired his staff weapon; the blast shot past through Daniel without harming him. The Jaffa cowered down, unsure what to do next.

Anubis wasn't. "Strike me down if you can. Do it now or I'll kill her."

Daniel didn't hesitate; he held his palms out, glowing orbs of energy appearing in them. Ceri, seeing Anubis was focusing on Daniel, kicked Herak in the face and joined her husband, standing at his side.

Anubis laughed. "And what are you going to do, child?" He taunted.

"This," she announced focusing her abilities, the same glowing orbs of energy appeared in her hands, her abilities reasserting at the right time.

"Then do it, both of you, strike me down, end this."

Both raised their hands and directed the energy at Anubis, it looked as if they were going to succeed, but the energy was quickly blown back at them as Anubis raised his hand to defend himself, his first Prime cowering on the floor.

Daniel knew what was happening. 'No! Don't do this!'

"Daniel…" Ceri cried out, she grabbed his hand and was spirited away with him.

Herak didn't care how frightened he looked or felt. He knelt before his Master, bowing. "You are indeed all powerful my Lord." He said shakily.

"What you just saw was not my doing. Recall our troops, we're leaving."

"Yes milord."

Abydos:

The last of Anubis' troops ringed off the planet. SG-1, 2 and the surviving Abydonian's watched them leave from the catacombs entrance.

"Dial the Gate, Major," Jack ordered Sam. "Lets get the wounded back to the SGC."

"What about Dr. Jackson?" Jonas asked concerned.

"Daniel will look after her," he said, hoping he was right. He turned to Skarra as his wife moved to dial the Gate. "If she arrives back here."

"I'll send her home, both of them," the young man assured. "Go. We have our own to look after."

Jack nodded as the Gate opened. "We'll send the women and children back and medical supplies."

Skarra nodded. "We'll be waiting."

With a nod, Jack followed his team and SG-2 through the Gate. Arriving back at the SGC, the call for medical personnel was heard over the base intercom, they arrived swiftly and both Williams and Read were taken away, Harm and Ryans going with them.

General Hammond approached, glancing at them all. "Where is Dr. Jackson?"

"She was on Anubis' ship, Daniel went after her," Jack said solemnly. "We don't know what happened. The Jaffa left, we assumed so did Anubis."

"We don't know whether Daniel was able to get her off or not." Sam added.

"Go get yourselves checked out, then report to the briefing room," the General ordered. "I'll have SG-5 and 13 take the women and children back to Abydos."

"General, I also offered medical supplies." Jack informed.

"I'll do one better, I'll send a medical team," Hammond informed. "Dismissed."

Nodding they headed for the infirmary. Harm and Ryans, were still there, also being check out, they headed out first to shower and change, determined to remain with their teammates, Read had been badly hurt and it didn't look good. When SG-1 was cleared, they showered, dressed and headed for the briefing room; their mood had not improving any.

"So what happened?" The General asked, seeing the pain of lose on all their faces.

"Anubis attacked, he send ground troops down, we held them off," Jack recalled. "They forced as back, we ended up in a secret chamber and bluffed our way out of being killed. Daniel had told the System Lords what could happen if Anubis got the Eye and they sent motherships in."

"How did Dr. Jackson end up on Anubis' ship?"

"She accidentally stepped on the ring plate form, Jaffa ringed down, and she was ringed up." Teal'c informed.

"Daniel said he would look after her," Sam continued. "He also told us Anubis is somewhere between human existence and ascension."

"Something must of gone wrong," Jonas noted. "Maybe he couldn't get her off the ship, she may still be onboard."

"No, I'm here," they heard Ceri Jackson say.

"You all heard that, right?" Jack asked them all and saw them nod.

"I'm in here," she called out from the General's office. "Send Sam in."

"Why?"

"Dad, please, just send Sam in and give her your shirt."

"My shirt?"

"Yes and hurry up," she said a little grumpy.

Confused, Jack pushed his chair back and stood, taking off the blue fatigue shirt he wore over his black t-shirt, giving it to his wife.

Sam took it into the office. "Oh boy," she exclaimed with a chuckling and handed it over.

Ceri took it and slipped it on, covering her nakedness. "Thanks," she quickly did it up, which lead her to realize her the palms of her hands were tender. She kept that to herself and went out with Sam, seeing the looks of surprise and relief on their faces.

"How? Why?" Jack managed to get out, realizing why she'd wanted his shirt.

"How? I'm don't know and dido for why," Ceri told them. "I remember being transported up to Anubis' ship and…" she shrugged. "After that, nothing until I found myself naked in the General's office just now."

"What about Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked.

"I don't know," she hugged herself, worried about what she couldn't remember and how she didn't know how she'd hurt her hands, which were beginning to throb.

"Sir," Sam interrupted. "Daniel would have been willing to do anything to save Ceri, even if that meant destroying Anubis. It's possible he was somehow prevented from doing that and the Others that he spoke off pulled both him and Ceri away. Or even Oma Desala, he said she was there watching him."

"Are you suggesting they erased Dr. Jackson's memory of what happened and sent her back?" Hammond asked.

"Yes sir."

"But what about Daniel?" Ceri asked, she felt exhausted, her frustration of not being able to remember and the pain from her hands, built up into tears. "What if…" she didn't finish her sentence, passing out.

Jack caught her, swinging her up into his arms, rushing out of the briefing room, with everyone else following. When they arrived at the infirmary, Janet was waiting for them, escorting them into a private room.

"Over here, Colonel," she ordered, gesturing to an exam bed.

He laid his daughter down. "How did you know?"

"Commander Rabb," she answered, then ushered them out of the way.

Jack reluctantly went over to his wife, taking her into his arms. He had his surrogate daughter back, but god he wanted Daniel to walk back into their lives too. He didn't know just how much more Ceri was going to be able to take.

When she'd finsihed treating her patient, Janet came over to them.

"How is she, doctor?" The General asked.

"She's suffering from exhaustion, sir," she reported. "I don't know what happened to her, but she used a lot of energy doing whatever she did." She glanced back at her now sleeping patient, then back again. "She has burns on her hands, that look like electrical burns."

Sam quickly looked up at her husband. "You don't think she tried to help Daniel?"

"I wouldn't doubt it," he agreed and saw both the General and Jonas look confused, explaining. "When we found the Eye of Ra on Abydos, Ceri literally blew a wall apart, she focused energy into orbs in her hands and throw them at the wall."

Janet nodded. "I remember pointing out the burns on hands then, but they healed before my eyes. These haven't."

"So the Ancients have, what taken her healing abilities away?" Jonas supposed.

"It's possible, when she wakes up, I'll have her try and heal her hands," the doctor purposed. "For now I'd like her to sleep."

"Thank you doctor," the General said. She nodded and walked back into her patient. He addressed SG-1. "I expect your reports on my desk by this afternoon."

"Yes sir," they all acknowledged.

He nodded and walked away, knowing none of them were going to leave the young archaeologist alone; they would take turns in sitting with her. It was their way.

They did just that, Teal'c sat with her first, and then Jonas, Sam and Jack came in after him. Around midnight, Janet ordered both of them out; she got them to leave but promising she would seat with Ceri herself, which she did.

Jack couldn't sleep though, and was back around four, finding Harm and Janet talking outside the room Ceri had been settled in.

The doctor was relived to see him. "Colonel, I was just going to call you," she said aguishly. "Ceri is gone."

"What?"

"I stepped out of the room for a moment, Commander Rabb was on his way in, he volunteered to sit with her," Janet explained. "When he went in she was gone."

"Jack I can't sense her, she's pulled her life signature so tightly around herself, I can't pin point her," Harm informed worriedly. "But I have feeling I know where she is."

He did too, nodding. "I'll handle it," he said and hurried towards the one place they both knew she'd be. Walking into the darkened room, the light from the outside filtering in. This was the room where Daniel had died and ascended, this was the room where Ceri had lost a part of herself. A light was lit over the empty bed, shinning down on it. Jack went further in, going around the bed, finding her sitting in the dark. She was huddled on the floor, dressed in white scrubs, hugging her knees to her chest with her still bandaged hands, tears streaming down her face. Ceri Jackson; had reached her breaking point.

Sitting down next to her, Jack drew her into his arms and she wrapped hers around him sobbing. He held her, rubbing her back, comforting her. "It's okay sweetheart, let it out. I'm here," he whispered. "I'll always be here."

"He promised that too," she sobbed. "He promised he'd never leave me and he did, dad."

"I know honey, but he didn't have a chose," he said gently. "When he came to you and I, we had a chose, we were able to be healed. But Jacob couldn't heal Daniel; eventually he would have died anyway. Ascension was his only chose."

"I was ready to do it," she sobbed. "I was so tired dad, I just couldn't fight anymore."

"I know sweetheart," he kissed the top of her head. "But I couldn't let you go, I'd lost Daniel, I couldn't bare to lose you too." He felt tears sting his own eyes and he held tight to her. "We may not be blood, honey, but you're still my daughter and I love you so much. And I'm sure if Daniel could come home right now, I bet he would. Nothing would keep him away from you or Callie, nothing."

"And nothing ever will," a familiar voice said from the doorway.

Both got to their feet in a hurry, seeing who it was. Ceri felt her chest ached with the emotions she felt, fresh tears slid down her cheeks. "Daniel?"

"It's me," he assured walking further into the room.

She ran over to him and practically through herself into his arms, he held her close. Relishing the feel of her in his arms, he cupped her face in his hands, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks with his thumbs, leaning down, and capturing her lips with his own. She responded whole-heartedly, reaching out to him telepathically, as he reached out for her. I am yours and you are mine, she sent to him, not breaking the kiss.

You are mine and I am yours, he replied. What were two; is now one.

Forever my love, she promised.

Jack smiled, feeling the bonding that took place, it was amazing, and he never realized the love two people shared could be so strong, so binding. Until he saw Sam with the General outside the room and realized he loved his wife with just as much passion. He went out to them, smiling as happily as they were.

"He just appeared in my office, just like his wife did," Hammond said amazed. "I had the Major bring him some clothes, when he was dressed we came here, Dr. Frasier told us what was going on. He lead us to her."

Jack happily drew his wife into his arms; he couldn't wipe the grin from his face. "The gangs all back sir."

"Yes Colonel, it certainly is," he agreed, nodding to Jonas and Teal'c as they arrived, seeing the look on their faces when they saw who was in the room with Ceri. "All present and accounted for."

Janet Frasier came down the hall to them with Harm. "I rang Alyn, sir, she's going to wake Callie and bring her here."

"Thank you doctor."

"Sir, I should check Daniel over before his daughter sees him," she noted.

"Well, doctor, if you can break those two apart, then he's all yours," the General nodded.

"Let me, General," Jack smirked and raised his voice. "Hey, Space monkey, break the lip lock and get out here!"

His reply came with unexpected results, Daniel raised his hand and with a flick of his wrist, the door to the room slammed shut.

Janet frowned. "That went well Colonel."

"Hey give him a break, doc, he hasn't been able to touch her, let alone kiss her in over a year," he defended. Then knocked on the door. "Daniel, the doc wants to check you over and make sure your all right!"

Feels fine to me, Janet. Ceri sent to them all telepathically.

Janet blushed, she couldn't help herself it was a natural reaction. "Why don't we give them a minute?" She opted.

"Good idea," the General agreed.

"Why don't I give it a go," Harm suggested. Ceri, the doctor wants to check Daniel over before Callie sees him.

The door to the room came open, Janet smiled and slipped in; it shut behind her.

"Now that's rude," Jack grumbled and everyone else chuckled.

They were still there a few minutes later when the door opened and Janet came out, she shut it again and disappeared down the hallway in a hurry, returning moments later, she slipped back in the room, much to their confusion. This time though the door was left open, they all looked in.

Janet handed Daniel his glasses. "Try these."

He did, putting them on, finding his sight improving. "Thank you."

She smiled and turned, gesturing them all in. "Daniel is in perfect health, General. He's needs to use his glasses again, but I think he'll agree, that's nothing to grumble about."

"So what happened?" Jack asked his friend.

"I don't know," Daniel said with a shrug. "I don't remember anything that happened after I died, those are my last memories."

"So you don't remember ascending or being ascended?" Jonas asked him.

"No," he answered. "I remember being in a lot of pain and then being at peace and then finding myself standing naked in the General's office. Which I might add is something I don't want to repeat."

"Know that feeling?" Ceri mumbled.

"At least I wasn't in the office went you arrived, Dr. Jackson," the General remarked.

"Luckily sir," she mused as they laughed.

Daniel glanced at his wife, who stood between his thighs in his arms. "You've been using my name?"

She nodded. "It felt right," she said gently

"It certainly is," he agreed and kissed her.

"Hey," Jack remarked. "We're still in the room."

They parted, looking sheepish.

"It is good to have you back Daniel Jackson." Teal'c told him.

"Thanks Teal'c."

They heard the footfalls of little feet and cleared the way as Callie came running in, Alyn and Pharaoh behind her. She squealed and rushed to her father, her mother picking her up and putting her into his waiting arms.

Daniel held his daughter close; she'd grown so much. God, he'd missed so much. He felt his wife put her arms around both of them and he slipped an arm free to hold her too. He was alive and that was all that mattered.

Janet ushered everyone out of the room, letting the young family have time alone, only Pharaoh remained. Finally though, she got everyone but the Jackson's and Pharaoh out of the infirmary, that didn't need to be there. She checked Ceri's hands, unwrapping the bandagers, finding the skin healed. "Did you do that?" She asked her.

"I don't think so, unless I did it subconsciously." Ceri answered.

"All right," she yielded. "I can't keep either of you in my infirmary, so out the both of you, take your daughter back to your quarters and get some sleep."

"Yes Ma'am," the both jeered.

Janet smiled, resting her hand on Daniel's arm. "It's good to have you back."

"Thanks Janet," he said with a shy smile. Carrying his half asleep daughter, he left the infirmary with his wife, and their protector.

By late morning the whole base knew Daniel Jackson was back, the news spread faster then mach 1. Sitting in the commissary, having breakfast with his family, Daniel quickly got used to the stares and welcome back's he received. Slowly one by one, the rest of SG-1 joined them, along with Harm and Mac and their twins. Daniel was introduced to his namesake, surprised that Jack and Sam had called their son after him. It was a little overwhelming.

As they sat there, they filled him in on what happened over the year he was gone; right up to the last time they saw him.

"How is Mitch?" Ceri asked her brother.

"He's in pretty bad shape," Harm admitted. "The doc said he's not going to be able to return to the team."

"I'm sorry."

He managed a smile. "They transferred him to the Academy hospital so his wife and boys could see him. Mac and I are going to go see him later."

"Give him our best."

"I will."

Jonas sat back and watched them, for the first time since he'd arrived, since before he'd been accepted, he felt like he didn't belong, not with SG-1 anyway. It was time to move on, SG-2 was going to need a new member, so perhaps it was time to ask the General for a transfer. He pushed his chair back and stood. "I'm going to go," he said, nervously. "See you all later." They all acknowledged him and he left. Going to the General's office, he knocked and went in. "Do you have a moment, sir?"

Hammond had been expecting this. "Come in Mr. Quinn."

He did and sat down at the General's request. "Sir, I think it's time I moved on, I'd like to request a transfer to another SG team."

"You don't have to son, there's nothing that says SG teams have to be made up of four people," the General noted.

"I know sir, I just feel it's time," he stated. "Commander Rabb is going to need a new team member, if he agrees, I'd like the position."

Hammond nodded. "Very well, Mr. Quinn, I'll put it too him."

"Thank you sir," he said and stood.

"Oh and Mr. Quinn, you've been living here on the base for over a year now. How would you like to try an apartment in town?"

"I can do that?" He asked surprised.

The General nodded. "Permission has come down, and if you're interested, I happened to overhear Gunnery Sergeant Galendez has a spare room he's willing to rent out."

Jonas grinned. "I'll go see him, sir. Thank you."

"You've earned it, son," the General said happily. "Dismissed."

Nodding Jonas hurried out of the room.

George Hammond sat back in his chair and chuckled quietly to himself.

A week later: Stargate Command

Jack knocked on the door to the General's office and then went in. He and the rest of SG-1 had been given the week off, during that time they'd not only celebrated having Daniel back, but they'd shifted Jonas into the Gunny's spare room, giving both an impromptu housewarming party. Now they were ready to get back to work. "You wanted to see me, sir?" He asked as he walked in.

"Yes, take a seat, Colonel," the General insisted and waited until he'd done so. "Mr. Quinn came to see me last week and requested a transfer to another SG team. I've granted his request." And added before Jack could say anything. "He wanted to do this."

"So what team has he transferred to?"

"SG-2, with Corporal Read unable to continue on the team, they were a man down. Commander Rabb agreed to the transfer."

Jack nodded. "He'll fit in well with them."

"Yes he will," Hammond agreed. "I'm also putting SG-1 back on the mission list, you have a mission briefing tomorrow morning at oh nine hundred and are scheduled to go off world at thirteen hundred that afternoon."

"Yes sir, I'll let everyone know."

"That'll be all, dismissed Colonel."

Jack stood and left the office, he went straight to level 18 and to Daniel and Ceri's office, where he knew the rest of his team where. "Hey kids," he greeted as he walked in.

"Hey dad," both Daniel and Ceri smirked.

Sam smiled. "Hi Jack."

Teal'c bowed his head. "O'Neill," he greeted, and then asked. "Jonas Quinn is not presently here."

"That's okay, T," Jack stated. "Jonas has transferred to SG-2, he's taking Corporal Read's place." He shoved his hands into the pockets of his fatigues. "On a brighter note, we're back on the mission list. We have a briefing at oh nine hundred tomorrow morning and are going off world at thirteen hundred."

Ceri was a little disturbed that Jonas hadn't mentioned his transfer, but she knew he'd come talk about it eventually. She shuffled a few folders around on the desk until she found the one she wanted. "P3X 8995," she revealed, opening the file. "I knew there was a reason the General wanted the translating done today."

"Nar," her dad teased. "He just needed an excuse to bring us all back here." He taunted and they all laughed.

That evening:

Ceri lay contently in her husband's arms, her head resting on his chest, finally alone. Moonlight shone through their bedroom window, as gentle breeze blew the curtains a little. They'd had everyone over for dinner, celebrating their return to the mission list, though since Daniel's return, they seemed to find any excuse to celebrate.

Daniel gently stroked her hair, she'd told him how she'd come to cut it. He's chuckled over it and then told her he liked it and that it didn't mater to him whether it was short or long, he loved her. "Have I told you how much I love you," he whispered.

"Not for the last three minutes," she mused.

He chuckled and drew her up closer, his lips inches from hers. "I love you, Ceri Jackson."

"And I love you, Daniel Jackson," she said and kissed him. Feeling his hands on her back, the gentle caress of his fingers. I've missed you so much, missed this, your touch.

Then I have a lot to make up for, he sent back to her.

Yes you do.

He rolled her beneath him, he touched and caressed her with his hands and lips, she was intoxicating and he couldn't get enough. He moved slowly within her, feeling her tighten around him, savoring every movement, every moment. The sensations that went though him, the way her emotions mixed with his. She matched him thrust for thrust, feeling she didn't want this to end. The bliss that eloped the both of them was like a tidal wave neither wanted to get off of. When her body started to spasm and convulse as the first wave of elation hit, she tighten around him and took him over with her, both crying out each other's names, riding it out. Falling asleep in their satisfaction, wrapped in each other's arms.

The next morning when they arrived on base with Callie, who was perched happily on her father's shoulders, neither cared who knew how happy they were. Pharaoh pattering behind them, even the protector seemed happier.

"Morning Doctor J," Gunnery Sergeant Galendez greeted as he walked the opposite way. "Morning Doc."

"Morning Gunny," both greeted.

"Vic, vic," Callie said grinning.

"Hey kiddo," he smirked and continued on his way.

Daniel lifted his daughter down and they walked with her between them, occasionally swinging her up into the air, she giggled happily. Finally though they arrived at the day care, going in.

Alyn greeted them. "Morning."

"Morning," both said happily.

She hankered down to Callie. "Ready to have a fun day, sweetheart?" She saw the little girl shake her head and picked up her thoughts. "Mommy and daddy will be back sweetheart."

Both hankered down and Callie hugged her father. He returned the gesture. "I wont' leave you again, sweetheart, not if I can help it," he promised and kissed her forehead. "Mommy and I have a briefing to go to, we'll see you before we go off world."

Ceri kissed forehead too. "We love you baby."

Daniel gave his daughter another hug and released her, standing, helping his wife up. "Look after them Pharaoh," he ordered and the dog woofed. Smiling he and Ceri left the day care center.

General Hammond watched from the door to his office that lead to the briefing room. Colonel O'Neill walked into the briefing room with a spring in his step that definitely suggested he was ready for a mission. He smiled warmly at his wife, Major Samantha Carter-O'Neill, who had arrived a few minutes earlier with Teal'c, the three of them chatted happily, laughing occasionally. Many would have been concerned about having a married couple on the same team, but Hammond wasn't. He had two married couples on one team and he wouldn't have it any other way.

He smile to himself when the two archaeologist's came into the briefing room, over the past year he'd stood and watch SG-1 come into the room but now for the first time, he really feel they were complete. Daniel had always been the voice of reason and the team's conscience, when Ceri had arrived she'd given a harmony to SG-1 that compliment Daniel and she gave just as strong calming presence as he did. They'd become a family in more then one sense of the word.

He stepped out of his office, going over to them. "Good morning SG-1," he greeted. "Lets get started."

They happily agreed and got the briefing done. Five hours later, the General stood in the control room, watching the five of them waiting to leave on their first mission since Daniel's return. They stood at the bottom of the ramp as the Gate was dialed, Teal'c, his staff weapon in hand, keeping a protective eye on the two linguists. Ceri Jackson, wore a bandana on her head that matched her fatigues, a nine-millimeter holstered at her thigh. Next to her, her husband, Daniel also wore a bandana that matched his fatigues and had a nine-millimeter holstered at his thigh. Beside him, Major Carter was smiling as she filled them in on what results the MALP had sent back, a cap on her head, supporting a P-90. Lastly was their CO, Colonel O'Neill who also supported a P-90; his cap turned backwards, sunglasses hanging around his neck on a cord. All carried their own backpacks with supplies, even for a simple mission like this one.

The Gate whooshed open. The General smiled and announced confidently over the intercom. "SG-1, you have a go," he saw them all look back and added. "Good luck and god speed."

Grinning the five of them stepped up onto the ramp, walking up it and through the watery puddle that made up the event horizon, onto another mission.

The End.

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