Lilly grabbed the next file in her seeming never ending pile. She had to finish this paperwork before she left for the Stargate and was quickly running out of time.

She'd been up extra early today to travel back to the cottage to get things ready if Ben returned home today. She'd changed the beds, scrubbed the floors and picked fresh flowers as a welcoming touch – she wanted everything to be as perfect as possible, even though she knew that the chances of him returning were slim.

On her way in to work, she'd picked Finn up from her parents, explaining her absence from breakfast was due to a home visit, which wasn't exactly an untruth. The decision not to tell her son where she was going today had been a difficult one but she'd finally decided that, if Ben did return it would be a wonderful surprise for her boy and if he didn't Finn would be none the wiser.

She just needed to complete these files, return them to the maternity wing, grab something to eat and be on her way.

Chewing on her pen, she opened Cara's file. She had visited her sister last night when she'd dropped her son off for the evening and had given the girls their regular checks. She had been so pleased with their progress; both had put good weight on and were obviously very content. Cara was coping beautifully with her girls and seemed very well indeed – full of energy and taking to motherhood extremely naturally.

Lilly rubbed her temples as she transferred the information from her notebook into the twin's notes, the dull headache that still plagued her occasionally beginning to make itself known again. She grabbed her glass of water, drained it, flicked to the next page, and sighed in frustration when she realised that she didn't have Sophie's weight chart. That meant she needed a trip to Cara's office to complete her work so she closed the file, placed it on the top of her others, grabbed her lab coat and stood. When the room span slightly she held onto her desk to steady herself before rubbing her aching temples again, struggling into her coat and hurrying out of her office, hoping the fresh air on her journey to the gate would perk her up a little.

Xxx

When Lilly stepped into her sister's office, she was very surprised to find Cara at her desk, obviously engrossed in her own paperwork.

"Sorry," she smiled in greeting. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

Cara glanced up and returned the smile. "You didn't," she shrugged, "I'm just going through a few things while my girls are being clucked over by the day shift."

Lilly balanced her work as she closed the door behind her. "I'm just returning these files," she explained as she then crossed the room, placed the files on the table and opened the filing cabinet.

Cara pushed her work to one side and sat back in her chair. "I thought you were going to the stone ring today," she stated as she stretched and yawned.

"I am," Lilly nodded as she started to flick through the filing cabinet. "I just needed to complete yesterday's paper work first," she sighed and retched for her first file. "My check in slot is not until later this afternoon so I am just making sure I am not leaving any loose ends here first."

"Do you think Benny will be coming home?" Cara asked as she stretched again.

Lilly turned to face her, paused when her world looped slightly again and had to swallow down the vertigo induced nausea from her motion before answering. "I don't think so," she sighed and rubbed her forehead, her head beginning to hurt more by the second.

"Lilly? Are you feeling alright?"

"What?" Lilly glanced up at her sister's concerned words. "Yes, yes – I'm fine," she flashed Cara what she hoped was a reassuring smile before returning to her filing but Cara obviously did not fall for her act because she immediately pushed out of her chair and crossed to her side.

"You look really pale, Lil."

Lilly shook her head as Cara placed a hand on her arm. "I am fine," she sighed. "Today has just been a bit of a rush that's all," she admitted softly.

"Why don't you sit down for a while?" Cara urged, equally as softly. "I will finish your filing."

"Don't be silly," Lilly snorted. "You are on medical leave Cara and should not be working anyway."

"I don't mind. You look like you might fall down at any minute."

Lilly sighed and then hung her head. She had to admit that her legs felt weak and her head was swimming, perhaps a sit down might be a good idea. "Okay," she mumbled and then turned to find a chair but as she did, the room looped again and her vision began to dim at the edges.

"Cara..."

As her legs gave out, Lilly was aware of her sister guiding her towards a chair and yelling for help.

xxx

"What happened Cara?" Conrad knelt at Lilly's side.

Lilly sat with her head between her knees breathing heavily and trying her hardest not to pass out.

Cara gently stroked her sisters back as Conrad took her pulse. "She just collapsed," she sighed sadly.

"Did she lose consciousness?"

"No, but she was very close."

"Okay." Conrad pulled Lilly's curls back and tipped her chin slightly. "How are you feeling now Lilly?" He smiled gently as he checked her pupil response.

"Headache," Lilly mumbled softly, her head pounding and her stomach rolling.

"Is it one of your migraines?" Conrad brushed her hair off her face and placed his hand on her forehead.

"I think so," Lilly admitted with a sigh and closed her eyes.

Conrad gave her knee a comforting squeeze. "Okay, Lilly," he smiled sadly. "I think we are going to find you a bed..."

"What?" Lilly snapped her head up, groaning when pain exploded behind her eyes. "I have to go to the gate," she whimpered and rested her head in her hands. "Ben is checking in, he might be coming home. I have to be there, I just have to."

"Not today, platon," Conrad sighed as he got to his feet. "Today you are resting and letting us take care for you."

"I can't," Lilly sobbed.

"Sorry, Lilly. Platon's orders." Conrad shook his head and then smiled at Cara who pulled her sick, devastated sister in for a one armed hug. "Can you admit her while I fetch her some fluids and glucose, Cara?"

"Of course," Cara nodded as she ran her hands through Lilly's curls, feeling so very sad for her sister as she knew how important today was to her.

"I won't be long," Conrad smiled again before leaving Cara to tend to her sister.

Lilly turned and buried her pounding head sister's skirt and sobbed. She desperately wanted to go to the gate, desperately wanted to speak to her husband.

"I'm so sorry, Lilly. I'm so sorry," Cara soothed as she held her. "I'll fetch Pa to go for you. You need to rest and get better."

Xxx

Cara hurried into her parent's house, one screaming daughter in her arms and the other fast asleep in her carrier.

After overseeing Lilly's admittance she had made sure she was resting comfortably before rescuing her girls from her broody helena's and hurrying to fill her parents in on the situation.

"Shh, shh," she soothed Rachael as she pushed the back door open with her hip.

Hanah, who had been alerted to her daughter's arrival by the sound of Rachael's cries, meet her at the door and held her arms out for her upset granddaughter. "Hey, hey – what is this all about, little one," she smiled as she placed Rachael over her shoulder and stroked her back, jostling her up and down slight to try and calm her.

"She is hungry, ma," Cara sighed, placing the baby carrier on the kitchen table before shrugging out of her rain soaked coat. "I didn't have time to feed her at the hospital."

Hanah continued to pace with her granddaughter as Cara sat at the table and prepared herself to feed her hungry girl. "I didn't know you were going to the hospital today Cara," she frowned.

"I wasn't going to," Cara admitted as she unbuttoned her blouse, "but I promised the girls I would take these two in," she smiled and held her hands out for her daughter. "And, it was a good job I did," she sighed as her mother passed her Rachael who quickly latched on to her mother's nipple and started to suckle greedily.

"Oh?"

"Lilly is not well again, ma," Cara shifted slightly and explained. "Conrad had to admit her. She has another migraine."

"Is she going to be alright?" Hanah asked urgently. "I mean – do I need to go to her?"

Cara quickly shook her head and gave her mother a reassuring smile. "She will be fine but Conrad wants to keep a close eye on her over night. She was sleeping when I left."

Hanah sighed in relief and then took a seat opposite her youngest daughter. "Poor Lilly, she is so tired."

"I know, that's why Conrad wants her to rest."

Hanah reached and poured Cara a cup of tea. "She was up so early this morning, preparing things for Ben," she shook her head as she spoke. "She wants everything to be ready should he return."

"Well, she is in no condition to travel on to the ring today."

"She must be devastated."

"She is."

"We need to get word to Ben that his wife will not be at check in. I'm sure he will be as devastated as she is."

Cara sat back and relaxed as Rachael continued to feed and patted down her pockets and pulled out a note Lilly had handwritten to take with her today. "Actually ma, perhaps pa could go in her place if he hasn't much on today. Lilly gave me this note," she pushed the piece of paper towards her mother. "She would like this to be sent back through the gate for Ben."

Hanah picked up the note and folded in two, as much as she would love to read it she knew that it would be very personal and for Ben's eyes only. "Of course," she nodded and reached for her tea again. "Your father is on his way home for his lunch and has the afternoon free," she smiled and took a sip. "Actually, I have a free afternoon a head too so I think I will join him for the trip."

"That sounds a lovely idea," Cara agreed. "Niall will pick Finn up from school so you don't have to worry about rushing back. I am sure Lilly would appreciate it if you could visit her and update her on your way home."

"Of course."

"And, I will prepare supper for all of us."

"That is a wonderful idea!"

Although the situation was far from ideal, at least they would personally be able explain things to Ben and hopefully reassure Lilly that everything was fine afterwards.

Family always pulled together in times of difficulty.

Xxx

"It's okay, Lilly, you can go back to sleep." Conrad smiled as his patient's eyelids fluttered open. He was just about to leave for the day and had stopped by to check on her.

"What time is it?" Lilly lifted a shaky hand and knuckled her eyes.

"It is nearly dusk, my friend. The suns are low in the sky," Conrad told her as he hung another bag of fluids. "You have been sleeping all afternoon."

"Has there been word from my father?" Lilly closed her eyes again and rubbed her temple.

"Not yet," Conrad smiled as he picked up her chart and added her latest set of observations to her notes. "Niall did visit you on his way to picking Finn up from school but you were sleeping."

Lilly curled up on her side and placed a hand over her eyes, telling Conrad all he needed to know about how she was feeling.

"Your son is just fine; your parents have travelled to the ring and will visit on their way home. Try and sleep again," he soothed and pulled Lilly's covers up to her shoulder.

"Uh huh," Lilly mumbled and ducked her head under her blankets.

"I will leave you to rest," Conrad whispered softly. "Anton is on duty tonight if you need him."

He stood at the bedside and waited until he was sure his patient was sleeping again and then pulled the curtains round her bed and went in search of the charge helena to update her on Lilly's condition.

There was not much they would do for her other than letting her rest and make sure she was hydrated. The migraines would stop when her stress levels reduced and only good news from the ring would do that.

Lilly Ashton needed her husband home.

xxx

STARGATE COMMAND

"Hey," Ben smiled when Daniel pulled up a seat next to him. "I thought you were off world."

"Yeah, well – the mission was cancelled," he held up his wrists to show the bracelets that still shackled him to Vala.

"Ah," Ben grinned. "Still no joy removing them?"

"Nope – looks like I'm gonna be stuck with that annoying woman for ages," Daniel grouched, desperately trying to pull off a bracelet. "Anyway," he sighed when his attempt was unsuccessful. "I thought I'd while away the time with you," he turned and smiled. "What time is Lilly due to dial in?"

"Anytime now," Ben grinned and turned his attention to the Stargate again. He had been up all night, going over and over things in his head. Lilly would have to understand that he just couldn't leave Conner. He needed to be at his brother's side, he'd promised him.

"Have you figured out what you're going to tell her?" Daniel asked softly, knowing that his friend was torn between two worlds.

"The truth," Ben shrugged. "She'll understand," he turned and flashed Daniel a quick smile. "Lilly will understand."

"I'm sure she will," Daniel smiled back and the then sat in silence, watching and waiting. Within minutes, claxons sounded round the base.

"Unidentified off world activation," Walter stated as the room filled with personel.

"Receiving Mandana IDC," he over rode.

General Laundry smiled at Ben and then gave the order for the iris to be opened and the MALP to be sent through.

Soon, the Mandana countryside came into view on the console and Ben searched the screen for his wife.

His heart was racing and his hands were sweaty, He was so nervous. It had been so long since he'd seen Lilly and he knew that she was going to be so disappointed about his decision.

The disappointment turned out to be his though when Sergi and Hanah came into view.

Where was Lilly?

Something was wrong?

"Hello, hello – can you hear me?"

Ben watched as Sergi tapped the viewer. He turned to Daniel and shrugged before keying the radio.

"Hi Sergi, hearing you loud and clear."

"Is that you Benjamin?"

"Yes, it's me," Ben confirmed before taking a deep breath. "Where's Lilly?" he quickly asked, his heart thundering in his chest.

"She was too unwell to journey to the ring today, I am afraid."

"What? What's wrong Sergi?" Ben was frantic with worry as dreadful scenarios ran through his head. "Sergi – what's wrong with Lilly?" He asked again, watching as his father in law bit his bottom lip.

"She will be just fine with rest, Ben – do not worry but she has been suffering with migraines for the last two weeks. Conrad has ordered bed rest and she is being well looked after at the hospital."

"Is the baby alright?"

"The baby is just fine."

"I'm coming home."

"No, please do not worry yourself – Lilly is in the best possible hands."

"This is not up for discussion. I'm coming home," Ben glanced at Hank who immediately nodded in confirmation. "I have loose ends to tie up here first but will return," he turned to Hank again who mouthed 'tomorrow – same time' to give him the heads up of a convenient time.

Ben keyed the radio again. "Tomorrow at the same time," he relayed to his father in law. "Will she be alright till then?"

"She will be fine. She will not be expecting you to drop everything and return, son."

"I'm not going to drop everything," Ben sighed and looked at Daniel. "I just need to talk to my brother, let him know my decision" When Daniel nodded and smiled back he knew that his friend had understood that he intended to tell his Conner about the Stargate and that he was going to take his brother home with him.

He then turned to the console again. "Can you arrange for two carts to pick us up this time tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Tell Lilly that I love her every much and will see her very soon."

"Of course."

"Listen, I've got to go now, there are alot of arrangements to make. Give my boy a hug from me."

"We will."

"Safe journey."

"Thank you. We will see you tomorrow. Mandana out."

"Take care both. Earth out."

Ben watched as the link to Mandan slowly fizzled out and then turned to the General. "Permission to tell my brother about the Stargate Programme, Sir?" He saluted.

"Permission granted," Hank saluted back with a smile and Ben stood, patted Daniel's shoulder and then rushed out of the room.

This was going to be very hard to explain, very hard indeed.

Xxx

MANDANA

Lilly longed to be home, curled up with her husband in a dark room. There was still no let up in her migraine and the hustle and bustle of what was obviously a busy night in the maternity wing was doing little to ease her suffering.

She had tried to bury her aching head in her pillows to block out the sounds of a mother giving birth – her heart went out to her but her screams and cries had escalated the pain which was now making her feel extremely nauseous again. She didn't want to make a fuss – the helena's and Anton were all busy tending to the young woman so she grabbed the bowl from the bedside cabinet, thankful that the curtains were still drawn round her bed, and quietly prepared herself for what she knew might be a long few hours battle with her sickness.

After managing to inch herself into a sitting position, she rested her head back and closed her eyes, gently rubbing her stomach as it churned. The fact that her baby was so active tonight added to the feeling of illness. All she wanted to do was to sleep again and escape but, as the new mother to be screams increased and the yells for help echoed round the ward, Lilly gave into her nausea with a sob.

Xxx

"Why did you not call for someone?" Anton tutted and handed Lilly's bowl to the helena who had just changed her soiled linen. He had discovered how ill she had been as he completed his ward rounds after the emergency delivery and had not been pleased that she had not notified anyone how sick she felt.

"You were busy," Lilly sighed and closed her eyes, feeling extremely drained and miserable. Her head still pounded and her stomach was sore and uncomfortable.

"Yes, well," Anton tutted again, "somebody would have been able to assist you. You are a patient not a platon today, Mrs Ashton." He then gently helped Lilly so she lay down again and then picked up her wrist and proceeded to take her pulse.

"How did the birth go?" Lilly mumbled as she covered her eyes.

"The baby is fine," Anton sighed as he perched on the edge of the bed.

"And the mother?"

When silence greeted her question, Lilly removed her arm and stared at Anton. "And, how is the mother?" She repeated slowly, not liking the young platon's reluctance to answer.

"Anton?"

Anton paused for a moment before tucking Lilly's arm under her covers again. "She is in a critical condition," he finally managed confirm sadly and Lilly immediately started to push herself up again.

"I need to see her..."

"You need to rest." Anton's firm yet gentle hand pushed her back down again. "You are in no condition to help. We have called your sister in and she is on route."

"But, she has her girls to tend to," Lilly objected. "I just have a headache, her girls need their mother."

"This is more than just a headache, Platon Ashton. Your pulse is racing, your baby is not happy and I am sure that if you try to stand you will more than likely collapse. You are to stay here and try and relax."

"But..." Lilly struggled up onto her elbows but Anton shook his head.

"Please, Lilly," he sighed. "There is little you can do and if you carryon like this I will be forced to sedate you so you do not harm yourself or your baby."

"But I can help!" Lilly was getting more and more worked up; why call Cara in when she was here and more than capable to tend to the sick mother? "My sister's place with her babies. I will tend to her, she needs my help.." she pushed Anton's hands off her shoulders and started to swing her legs off the bed but, when the room looped and agonising pain erupted behind her eyes, she couldn't help but cry out.

She was then aware of being gently lain down again and of familiar hands stroking her forehead.

"Come on, my love. You need to relax."

"Ma?" She mumbled and grabbed Hanah's hand.

"Shh, shh, just relax. Everything is just fine, you need to calm down."

"But, I am needed," Lilly sobbed. "They have sent for Cara but I can help."

"No you can't – you are too sick."

"Please ma," Lilly was opening crying now. "I- I h-have t-to h-help – I f-feel s-so u-useless..."

"No, what you have to do is regain your strength for your husband, my love. You need to rest. Shh, shh – just rest Lilly. You cannot do everything, you know that. Let others help."

Her mother's voice was soothing and, when she was aware of her father taking her other hand, Lilly started to relax.

"B-ben?" She stuttered as she leant into her mother's touch.

"Benjamin is just fine and is coming home; you need to sleep my love. You are so very tired..."

Lilly then welcomed the draw of exhaustion willingly, knowing that her husband was now on his way home.

"Home..."

xxx

STARGATE COMMAND

"I need to tell you something," Ben sighed and perched on the edge of Conner's bed.

"Oh?" Conner frowned and lowered the book he'd been reading. "What's up?" He asked as he watched Ben nervously pick at a loose thread on his blanket.

"I've just spoken to home," Ben glanced up and shrugged.

"O-kay," Conner continued to frown, puzzled by his brothers nervousness. "Is everything alright?"

"No, not really. Umm, Lilly is not well..."

"Oh – I see,"Conner flopped back with a sigh.

"I need to go home, Con. She needs me."

"Of course she does," Conner tried to smile. "You should be with her."

"It's just that... because of the baby and everything..."

"No, no – I understand, it's fine. I was thinking of returning to England anyway," Conner shrugged. He could see how upset his brother was – of course, he should go to his wife, he had a family and they were, quite rightly his priority.

Ben reached over and placed his hand on Conner's knee. "No, you don't understand," he told him softly, "I want you to come with me."

Conner stared at him for a while and then quickly shook his head. "No you don't. You'll have enough on your hands with Lilly being sick; you don't need me around adding to your stress. It's not fair on you or Lilly."

"I'm not going without you Conner and that's final."

"Have you asked Lilly if that's okay with her?"

"No, not yet."

"Why not? "

"Because she is in hospital."

"I don't understand. I thought you'd spoken to her?" Perhaps Lilly was really sick. Perhaps there was something wrong with the baby. Ben seemed nervous but not too worried. Surely he'd spoken to her.

"She's going to be just fine with some rest," Ben quickly reassured. "There is a reason I can't speak to her," he nervously bit his lower lip, knowing just where the questioning was leading. The moment of truth was mere seconds away.

"Why's that?"

"Because she lives on another planet, Con."

Stunned silence greeted Ben's admission as Conner's frown deepened.

"I haven't told you the exact truth," Ben ventured softly as his brother continued to stare at him doing a very good impression of a fish out of water.

"Ben. I—I don't understand? W—what are you telling me?"

Ben took a deep breath before replying. "Well... in 1928 scientists discovered a stone ring in Egypt..."

Conner sat, slack jawed slack and listened in total shock as Ben then told him all about the Stargate Programme. Several times, he'd stopped him as he thought he was joking but, when Daniel, Hank and Carolyn all confirmed the story, he was completely blown away.

All this time, his brother had lived on another planet, amongst another race! And, Conner had thought his life had been complicated!