He had trouble sleeping that night, which wasn't particularly something new. He'd lost the ability, years ago, to sleep the sleep of the innocent. He was often disturbed by dreams, or nightmares that would wake him up - often in a cold sweat, his heart pounding madly. The worst, of course, were still the nightmares – or memories really – of that day he'd found Charlie, on the floor in a pool of blood. He would go months without one of those and then something would bring back the events of that day and he'd wake up with tears on his cheeks and a tight band around his heart. Then in the last few years were the added nightmares of Ba'al and his little chamber of horrors. He could still feel that acid … The newest collection of nightmares were now the ones about his time in prison for treason. He'd been sure that was the end, that there was no way he was going to get out of that one.

But he had gotten out and now he was here on Eirenia and life had – gone on. So why the hell was his mind churning and why were his palms sweaty? He didn't want to get involved in any new problems. He wanted to live a quiet, peaceful life. That's what he'd been doing since Thor had dropped him off and he liked it that way, wanted it that way – so why the hell couldn't he stop thinking about the damned plague?

He rolled over onto his side, trying to get more comfortable so he could sleep and Sam's face popped into his head. Oh yeah, that was another reason he couldn't sleep. He didn't know what to do about her, about them – if there was a them, or could be a them or – oh hell O'Neill, just go to sleep.

He flipped onto his back and sighed. What was wrong with wanting to live in peace? He'd spent most of his life fighting so didn't he deserve some rest, some enjoyment? But could he enjoy anything now that he was sure something, or someone was responsible for the devastation that had hit his adopted world, something besides nature. He sighed again. No, he knew himself too well. He couldn't rest until he figured it out – or until Carter and Daniel figured it out – and together they tried to bring the guilty party – or parties to justice.

He turned onto his other side. But what about Sam? Should he say anything to her or just go back to the way he'd always treated her and give up any hope of more? She'd be returning to Earth soon anyway. Why start something, why say anything when it was just going to end anyway. That would simply cause him more pain, and he was tired of pain. He wanted peace – right?

And what the hell was going on on Earth anyway? Why did they – the President and his band of thugs – want him to go back? Not that he would of course. There was no way – never – that he was going back unless they proclaimed his innocence from the top of every building and mountain on Earth. He just hoped whatever it was wasn't too bad because then he would probably feel guilty and he was tired of guilt. He already carried enough of it around with him and didn't want anymore – even though he was curious.

He rolled over onto his back and put his arms behind his head, and sighed one more time. Damn it – why couldn't he just let everything go and enjoy his life here? Why did he have to –

"Jack, will you please stop that and go to sleep!"

"Stop what?" he asked Daniel, trying to squint and see him in the dark.

"I believe he is referring to you rolling back and forth and sighing every few seconds", Teal'c answered, his usually steady voice sounding somewhat peeved.

"Oh, was I doing that? Sorry", he answered. He lay perfectly still, not moving a muscle until he heard the steady breathing of his friends. At that point he turned to his side, punched his pillow to try and fluff it up and make it more comfortable, and sighed. He really didn't know what to do.

"You guys look tired", Sam said the next morning and she sat across the table from them, sipping her morning coffee. "Were you up late playing cards or something."

"Or something", muttered Daniel with a dark look at Jack.

"Indeed", Teal'c replied, sounding grumpy – something very unusual for the placid Jaffa.

Sam looked back and forth between the three of them, but Daniel was simply staring into his coffee cup as if it would save him, Teal'c had his eyes closed, looking like he hoped that he could regain some of the power of Kelnoreem – something he'd lost along with his symbiote, and Jack just shrugged.

"Don't ask me", he told her. "They both woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

Sam almost laughed when she saw the glares that were thrown at O'Neill from his two friends. He gave her an innocent grin and she did laugh then. "What did you do Sir", she asked him, recognizing the impish look in his eyes.

"He sighed", Daniel said.

"Continuously", added Teal'c.

"Sighed?" She looked at her former commander curiously.

"Yeah – and it's all your fault Carter", he told her. "You had to start asking questions and now I can't stop thinking about the damned plague. I'm afraid we're gonna have to figure it out."

"I'm sorry." Sam's expression grew serious. "I didn't mean to burden you with that. I was just -"

" – curious. Yeah, I know – or at least I know you. Unfortunately, you've piqued my curiosity too. I'm afraid we're going to have to try and figure it out."

"We?" Daniel raised his eyebrows.

"Yes we Daniel." Jack looked down and grew serious himself. After a few seconds he raised his eyes. "I couldn't do it without you guys you know. I think this case calls for – Sg-1."

Daniel and Teal'c immediately responded by looking guilty for being irritated at Jack. Daniel smiled and told the others 'he was in.'

"I too O'Neill, will be honored to help with this. It is good to be a team once more."

Sam bit her lip and looked sad. She then reached out and laid her hand on Jack's. "I'm sorry – I'm glad to help out with this, but I don't think I want to be on Sg-1 again – at least not like before."

"Oh?" Jack suddenly felt depressed and would have removed his hand, except she grabbed it as he went to pull away. He looked up at her then, and couldn't help but ask "why is that Carter?"

"Well, because there's no way I want to be in your chain of command again, Jack. I had to put up with that for eight years and now – I want something different. So, I'll be pleased to help out as your – friend and your equal and maybe", she paused and looked at him, "not as your subordinate."

She was looking at him very intently as she spoke those words. He stared back at her, hardly breathing, not quite sure of her meaning, but hoping nevertheless. He swallowed and then turned his hand slightly so his palm was up – and she immediately intertwined her fingers with his. He sighed – and then smiled slightly.

"He's doing it again Teal'c", Daniel complained, although there was a grin on his face.

"Indeed Daniel Jackson, although this time I believe there is a legitimate reason and so I am able to bear with it."

Jack turned to his two – friends – and saw that they were both smiling – no smirking – was a better word. He rolled his eyes and looked back at Sam. "You realize of course that they're going to drive us crazy?"

She grinned then too, gave his hand a squeeze, and pulled it back to continue eating her breakfast. "Of course. I think they deserve to, don't you. I mean it has been eight years!"

"That it has Carter", he said seriously, "that it has." All he could think at that moment was that this moment, made all those eight years worthwhile.

He spent the next few minutes eating his breakfast, although in actual fact he wasn't in the least bit hungry. Still, eating gave him an excuse not to talk – which he was pretty sure he wouldn't have been able to do right now. He was pretty sure his heart was ready to launch into space and his cheeks kept trying to force him into the biggest, shit-eating grin on this or any other world. She didn't want to be in his chain of command! She didn't want to be his subordinate. She wanted something different. God – so did he!

He finally managed to pull himself together and regarded each of his companions with deep affection. How was he going to let them leave? Could he let them leave? He wondered briefly if he could contact Thor secretly and tell him not to come back. He snorted – yeah, as if he'd do that. Still, it was a pleasant thought.

"So Jack, Sam and I can go and start nosing around if it's okay with you and find out more about the plague. Where do you think we should start?"

"Uh –", Jack looked up blankly. Oh yeah – the plague. He sighed again. "I actually think I should do the snooping around, at least to start with. I'll talk with Maeja. She is the person who'll know the most. I told you, she's the most senior Councilor here and according to Althaia she was the person who really kept things from totally following apart during the sickness. I think she'll respond better if it comes from me. I'm – almost – a native now", he gave a slight quirk to his lips.

"Okay – well, if you're doing that, I wouldn't mind heading out and looking at a few more things in the neighborhood. Glykeria told me there are some small ruins just an hour or so away."

"Yeah – a small temple I think", Jack said, sounding distracted. "It's a pretty spot."

"You've been there", asked Daniel, sounding shocked.

Jack frowned. "Yeah, what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing's wrong with it, I'm just surprised. You always hated visiting ruins."

"No I didn't."

"Yes you did."

"I did not Daniel. I've been to lots of them, on Earth and here."

"Jack – how many missions did we go on that you harassed me for wanting to check out the local archaeological sites – telling me they were nothing but a pile of boring rocks."

"So?"

"So – that's my point exactly. You hate ruins."

"I do not."

Daniel sighed and shook his head. He saw that both Teal'c and Sam were grinning.

"You can't win you know Daniel", Sam told him.

"I don't know why I even try", he sighed.

Jack laughed and slapped his friend on the back. "I'm not like you Daniel. I can't look at them for hours and hours – and hours, and hours and hours – but I do enjoy going and seeing them and finding out about local history –when I'm on holiday or when I live in a place. It wasn't so much fun on missions when I was watching for aliens trying to jump out and kill us."

"Oh." Daniel looked slightly embarrassed. "Really? Well – okay then." The others laughed and he finally grinned. "Yeah, I get it. So I'm going to go and spend hours and hours – yes Jack, and probably hours looking at them."

"Is Glykeria going with you?" Jack asked innocently.

Daniel turned a bit pink and nodded. "She's going to show me how to get there."

"Good." Jack didn't say anymore but turned to Teal'c and Sam. "And what about you two? I'd take you but I don't know how much Maeja will say if you're there. You can come to town if you'd like and wander around. Maybe you'll be able to discover some things that way."

Teal'c agreed – he was interested in buying presents for Ray'ak and Kar'yn he said. The others didn't say anything but were all pretty sure he wanted something for Ishta as well.

"I think I'll just stay here, or maybe go for a little walk", Sam told him. "If that's okay?" she turned to Jack.

"Of course. Make yourself at home and feel free to stop and say hi to the neighbors. People here love visitors and especially strangers. They're insatiably curious."

Jack and Teal'c headed out for town and Daniel left shortly afterward to go to pick up Glykeria. Sam watched as he headed off in the direction of the young woman's house and wondered briefly if there was something brewing there. She laughed softly and turned to go inside Jack's house.

She thought about the short scene on Jack's patio when she'd told him she didn't want to be a team member of Sg-1. He'd looked sad until she'd continued – then she'd seen the light return to his eyes. She got a slight shiver at what those beautiful eyes of his promised. She'd decided, as she lay awake in his bed last night that she'd had enough. She was going to lay claim to him regardless of what he did or how much he tried to retreat. She'd had enough of that. She knew he cared for her – and by God, she was going to make sure they did something about it.

Tonight she was going to talk to him and get everything out into the open – including what was happening on Earth. He needed to know and to make a decision based on knowledge of what was going on. They were also going to have The Talk – the one they'd avoided for years. Yes, it was time.

But what to do now? She was on her own and really didn't feel like sitting around and just reading. She felt like she had energy to spare and needed to work some of it off. Jack had suggested she go out and wander around. Well – that's what she'd do.

Jack was quiet as he and Teal'c walked towards town. He thought back to what Sam had said this morning and again felt a jolt of – excitement, anticipation – joy. He was pretty sure she was not about to let him move things back to their old way of interacting and he was glad.

"Samantha is a strong and courageous woman", Teal'c suddenly announced out of the blue. Jack turned to him in surprise.

"Yes, yes she is."

"It is good that you are aware of that fact for she will no longer let things remain the way they were."

Jack coughed - he didn't know what to say. He didn't really do this kind of discussion with his male friends.

"You must simply accept that things have changed with her O'Neill. Accept and rejoice in the fact that a woman as beautiful and strong as she wants you for her mate."

"Uh –" holy crap! Teal'c was giving him relationship advice. "My mate?"

Teal'c had a small smile on his face – which always made O'Neill nervous. "Just enjoy it my friend. There is no point fighting it when a woman decides such a thing."

Jack was silent for a moment and then looked again at Teal'c. "Ishta got you did she?"

"Indeed", Teal'c answered, with a stately bow of his head.

Jack cracked a laugh and slapped his friend on the back. "We're in trouble Teal'c."

"Indeed we are O'Neill", he answered, also with a laugh. "And it is time to simply allow ourselves to enjoy it."

"Yeah, I think maybe you're right."

The two males walked the rest of the way in total harmony and with the knowledge that they were the luckiest men in the world to have caught the attention, interest – and yes love of two such strong and amazing women. They also both knew that life would never be the same for either of them.

They split up once they got to town, with Teal'c heading to the market and Jack to Maeja's house. He was pretty sure she'd be home at this hour. She usually didn't head to the Council hall till the afternoon, where she made it a point to be there to meet with people who came with questions, concerns or complaints.

"Jonathan?" she said in surprise when she opened the door. "What are you doing here so early? Have your guests left?"

"No – they're still here, looking around and relaxing. I'm sorry to bother you so early Maeja, but I had some questions and I was wondering if you could help me?"

"Certainly", she smiled and invited him in.

He followed her out onto the small inner patio of her home. It was a simple house, but filled with light and flowers. It was peaceful – the inner courtyard was totally cut off from the sounds of the street. He accepted a glass of juice and sat across from Maeja, and wondered why she had never married. He'd heard from a number of sources that she had been one of the few who had lost no one in the plague – although that had been because she had no one – at least no one close. She had never married, and as far as anyone knew, her family had all passed on. She was a beautiful woman though – and he wondered that she'd never married.

"So, what can I do for you", she smiled. "Is it something to do with your friends?"

"No – not really, although they were the ones who made me think about it. No, I'm afraid I'm here simply out of curiosity. I was wondering what you could tell me about the plague."

Maeja frowned suddenly and looked – for the first time in Jack's memory – old. He knew, from what had been said by her and others that she had to be well over seventy years old, and yet she looked no more than about thirty. He really wished he knew what it was about this planet that seemed to keep everyone so young.

"Why do you want to know?" she asked, sounding tired. "It was the worst tragedy our world has ever suffered, and we still are not over it. What else is there?"

"I'm wondering where it came from", he said. "It just seems – strange – the way it hit and everything."

"Strange? I suppose although from what I understand it has happened on other worlds in a very similar way. Somehow a sickness got brought to Eirenia and quickly travelled, killing many."

"So you think it came from off world?" he asked.

"From where else could it have come", she told him. "If it had been here before I am sure we would have seen evidence of former plagues – or else we would have built up more immunity to it."

"But some were immune, weren't they", he said gently. "From what I understand children and young people weren't affected."

"Yes that is true and for that we gave thanks. It would have been even worse if we had lost our children."

"But does anyone have any idea why. I mean, it seems unusual that only adults were killed and mostly men, from what I understand."

"Who knows why Jonathan. Sometimes things are just meant to be."

"Now, see, I don't buy that. I think things happen for a reason – not always a good reason – but a reason nonetheless. I don't particularly believe in fate or karma or all those good things. We may not always see the reason, but there always is one and I'm kinda curious about this one." When Maeja didn't answer he continued. "What about Thor? He's a friend of the Eirenians. Surely he must have been willing to look into it."

"Yes, but the Council felt there was no purpose. It was done and we grieved and then we went on with our lives. For what purpose would we spend energy worrying about the plague when we had to worry about living?"

"But weren't you worried that it could come back?"

"No, for those who did not die are now immune."

"How do you know?"

She simply looked at him, a hint of irritation in her eyes. "What are you doing Jonathan?" she asked. "For what purpose are you dragging this all up? People have moved on and you will simply upset them. I suggest you let it go."

She sounded serious, and looked at him with an expression he couldn't quite read although it made the hairs stand up on his neck. For the first time since he'd met Maeja he felt something less than kindness and welcome from her.

"Is that a warning?" he asked softly.

"Take it how you will." She stood up then, and walked toward the doorway. "I am very busy and have business at the Council hall. Was there anything else?"

"Yes, just one thing", he said, standing slowly. "What happened to Patrus' property?" he asked. "I believe he owned a big estate outside of town."

She laughed then and he almost believed it was sincere. "Why? Are you planning on becoming a wealthy property owner", she wanted to know. "Business has obviously been good for you." When he didn't answer she gave a soft snort. "I believe that Tydeus purchased it. Patrus had no heirs so it was sold at auction. Now, if you will please excuse me?"

Jack nodded and thanked her and then left. Something was very definitely wrong and he was pretty sure Maeja knew what it was, or at least suspected. He'd thought he'd caught a fleeting look of fear on her face, but it had gone so quickly he wasn't positive that's what it was. He took a deep breath and let out a soft 'damn'. He really wished he was the sort of guy who could learn to leave well enough alone.

He walked a short way from Maeja's and stopped. Who else could he talk to? There must be someone in Eirenia that had some information. He suddenly grinned. Of course – he should have thought of him to begin with. There was no one that knew more about what was going on than Belos. He turned swiftly and headed off in the opposite direction, determined to speak with the little man who had become something of a friend.

He'd run into Belos, a local shopkeeper, about a month after he'd arrived on Eirenia. He'd been wandering through the town, feeling lonely and depressed, when he'd happened upon the small shop down a little street. He'd looked into the window and one of the first things he'd seen was what looked like an old-fashioned telescope. For the first time in a long time he felt something interest him and, without thinking too much about it, had entered the store.

He'd been looking at the telescope when a voice had startled him.

"I can give you a good deal on that", the voice had said. "It's in fine shape and is a wonderful way of seeing the stars up close."

Jack had turned, and standing behind him was a short, round man with a cherubic smile and not a hair on his head. He'd lifted an eyebrow, which had caused the man to beam even more broadly.

"You must be Jonathan, the friend of Thor and a new resident of Eirenia?"

Jack nodded, still not speaking. It was a little eerie, he thought. The man in front of him reminded him of Urgo – in many different ways.

"And you have come to my humble store. Thank you, thank you. Would you like to look at the telescope?"

Jack turned and looked at it and then back at the storekeeper. "How much?"

He wasn't surprised when his question resulted in a torrent of words describing the telescope as the best, most beautiful, most accurate, etc., etc., etc.,. In the end he'd purchased it – for what he hoped was a fair price. He still wasn't that familiar with the cost of things in his new home.

"You must come back and have coffee with me", the store owner had told him. "It is a privilege to meet a newcomer, and especially a friend of Thor's."

"You know Thor?' Jack asked curiously. He knew that Eirenia was a protected planet and that the Councilors knew the Asgaard, and especially Thor, but wondered if the little alien came down and actually visited the planet.

"Yes indeed", Urg – the man answered. "When he visits our world he will sometimes come and see me. He loves my shop and the things I sell. He has also brought me objects from other worlds that I offer to my customers. He's a great friend, to me and to our world."

"And you are?"

"Me?" the man laughed. "I am Belos." He stuck out his hand and shook Jack's. "If ever you want anything – or if you ever need anything – you come to Belos. Any friend of Thor's is a friend of mine."

Since that first visit Jack had returned a number of times. He would always purchase something, even if he didn't really need it. He felt it was something he owed the man for his kindness – and for the fact that he was always ready to sit down and talk and share a cup of coffee. He also made Jack laugh – something he no longer did very often.

He arrived at Belos' store a few minutes later and walked right in, only to be greeted instantly by the man with an effusive 'hello' and a hug.

"Jonathan! You have not been to see me for too long. But I understand why. I have heard of the beautiful lady who is visiting and whom you keep hidden from the rest of us."

"I don't keep her hidden Belos", Jack answered. "I just haven't had a chance to bring her by."

"And you have not brought her today either", Belos let out a great and pained sigh. "But that is fine. I know you did not bring her because you were afraid."

"Afraid", asked Jack with a raised brow. "Of what?"

"Of the fact that she would take one look at me – with my beautiful shiny head – and she would never look at you again!"

Jack laughed and patted his friend on the back. "You're right Belos. I just couldn't take the chance."

"So – tell me what brings you here today? Have you perhaps come to buy some pretty bauble for your ladylove?"

"Uh – she's not my – uh 'ladylove'. She's a friend."

"Jonathan, you must not lie to your friend Belos. I can see it in your eyes. You are very much in love with this woman – and I suspect she feels the same." He suddenly frowned. "But there were others too, were there not? Other 'friends' I mean. Did I not hear about two others?"

"Yes, my friends Daniel and Teal'c." Jack was glad to change the subject. He didn't feel comfortable talking about Sam in terms of – well, anything.

"Good, good. I am pleased for you my friend. So, are you here for something from Belos?"

"Yes, but it's not presents. I'm actually here for some information."

"What kind of information?" The rotund little man gestured with his hand and led Jack into a small room at the back of the store. He'd spent time here before, chatting and drinking coffee.

"Well, to be honest Belos, I'm trying to find out more information about the plague that hit here a couple of years ago." He stopped suddenly at the expression of fear that crossed the other man's face. He was pretty sure it wasn't simply remembered fear of the plague itself. No, there was definitely something else going on.

"Why?" Belos asked softly, glancing around. He stood up and closed the door to the front of his shop. "Why do you want to know?"

"Mainly because I'm curious", Jack grimaced. "It was one of my friends who actually asked about it and I realized that I didn't know much about it so I thought I'd ask Maeja."

"But she warned you to leave it alone." Belos said, and it wasn't a question.

Jack frowned. "She did but how would you know that?"

"I have been here many years and I see and hear many things. I have long known that the plague was more than something that came by accident from another world. I have also known that it is best not to ask questions."

"But now I'm asking so what can you tell me?"

Belos took a deep breath and regarded Jack carefully. He finally nodded. "Yes – it is time and you are the right person", he said. "I have waited for someone to come who can get rid of the rot that is starting to infect this world."

"Rot?" Jack scowled but regarded his friend carefully. "What do you mean? What's going on?"

"Are you sure you want to know?" Belos asked, a searching look on his face. "Because I believe that once you know, there will be no turning back for you. You are not the kind of man to let injustice happen if you can help it. Do you want to know or do you want to live here without becoming involved?"

Jack let his head drop back on his chair and briefly closed his eyes. So much for peace and quiet. He then opened his eyes, leaned forward and looked directly at the other man. "I want to know."

Sam walked in the direction of the town, but turned off on a small dirt road before she got to the base of the hill which was the beginning of the town buildings. She walked for almost forty-five minutes, hearing the sounds of the ocean growing nearer. The road she was slowly winded down, around an outcrop of rocks until suddenly she came out right by the beach.

She stopped and breathed deeply. It was beautiful here. She could feel some of the tension of the day leave her body as she walked forward onto the beach. This was such a gorgeous place, she thought. She really would be happy here.

She was so caught up in the beauty of the view and the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks that she didn't hear the person come up behind her until the last second. Surprised, she turned to see who it was and her world exploded into a ball of pain.

The man watched as she fell at his feet and he smiled. He looked back to his friends standing a few feet away and waived them forward. With the help of one other he lifted the woman and slung her over his shoulder.

"We'll take her to the cave", he said. "And then we'll send a message to Jonathan."

"But then what? What of the other two?"

"When they hear of the terrible accident that claimed the lives of their friends they will leave and never return." He smiled again and walked away, carrying Sam and followed by three others.