"We're going to have to tell her," Jacob said quietly. "If he did get away from the ship – and we still don't know that he did – we have no idea where he could have gone. We've found nothing and we've been gone for weeks. I'm afraid she's going to have to face the truth."

Daniel frowned, hating the thought of telling Sam they were heading back to Earth. She was resting – finally – but he knew she'd be up soon. She hadn't gotten a decent sleep in weeks and he was worried about her.

"She's going to be angry," he told Jacob.

"I know," her father admitted, "but it's not fair to her, or to anyone, to let this go on any longer. I'm afraid she's going to have to face the truth that he's gone."

There was a pause, until Daniel finally took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "He is, isn't he?"

Jacob didn't say anything for a second, and then looked directly at Daniel. "I think the chances of him getting off the ship in time were small to begin with. Add to that the incredibly tiny chance that he'd find a livable planet in the vicinity – then yes, I think he is."

"Then why did you let us search for so long?" Daniel asked, his words sounding accusatory, but his voice was flat. He was emotionally exhausted after so many weeks of looking for his friend.

"Because I've seen too many miracles in my life to have accepted that immediately." Jacob's lips quirked in a small smile. "And I'm pig-headed, just like my daughter."

"Is everything all right, Jacob, Daniel?" Teal'c approached the pilot and co-pilot seats, where the two men were sitting.

"Yeah Teal'c," Daniel answered slowly. "Jacob thinks it's time we stopped looking."

Teal'c looked at Jacob, one eyebrow raised. "You have given up hope."

"I'm afraid so, Teal'c," Jacob answered softly, his eyes moving towards his daughter, who lay asleep in the corner of the Tel'tak. "There's been no sign of him at all, and we can't cover every inch of space."

Teal'c slowly nodded. "I do not disagree, although it is difficult to accept. A part of me still feels that O'Neill is alive, waiting for us to rescue him."

"Oh God, Teal'c, don't say that," Daniel sucked in a breath. "It's bad enough thinking that he got blown up on the ship, but it's another thing thinking of him trapped somewhere, expecting us to find him. That would be -"

"Terrible," Teal'c nodded.

"What would be terrible?" The three men had become so involved in their conversation they hadn't noticed that Sam had woken up and had approached the control area of the Tel'tak.

Both Daniel and Teal'c immediately glanced towards Jacob. As her father he should be the one to tell her, they both silently agreed. If there was a measure of cowardice in their decision – well, neither of them would ever mention it.

"Uh – we were just commenting that it's terrible we're missing the Stanley Cup playoffs," Daniel told her. "They'll be over by the time we get back."

Sam frowned. "I didn't think you liked sports."

"Are you kidding? Jack got me into watching hockey years ago! It's a great game."

"So you were complaining about not getting back in time for sports?" she asked incredulously.

"Uh – yeah?"

Sam shook her head at Teal'c. "You guys must really think I'm an idiot. Now tell me – what is terrible?"

"It's not important Sam," Jacob stepped in. "But there is something I wanted to talk to you about. In fact, the guys wanted to talk to you as well." Jacob did a fine job ignoring, not only Sam's inquisitive look, but the men's glares.

"What is it Dad?" she asked sharply. Her head turned quickly between the three men. "What's going on?"

Jacob sighed and stood up and reached for his daughter. "Sam – we have to face facts -"

"No!" she pulled her hands freed and stepped back. "No. What are you doing? We can't give up. He's out there," I told you. I've felt him. He's alive and waiting for us."

"Where? Where Sam – where is he waiting? You know we don't have time to travel every square inch of space. If he is out there – and I really don't think he is – we have no way of finding him."

"No! I'm not giving up," she told him fiercely. "He would never leave anyone behind, and we're not going to leave him behind. We're going to keep looking."

"Sam -"

"NO!" she told her father sharply – and then turned to her teammates. "And what about the two of you? Are you behind this as well?"

"Samantha – your father is making the right decision," Teal'c answered gravelly. "I know it is difficult. I too grieve for O'Neill. But truly – do you think he would want us to continue searching for him for so long? We must return to Earth."

"Yeah Sam – I hate the thought of giving up as badly as you do. But Teal'c is right. Jack wouldn't want us to do this. And we've been away a long time. General Hammond isn't going to be able to cover for us forever."

Sam closed her eyes, and the men watched as tears squeezed out from under her eyelids and trailed down her cheeks. "He wouldn't give up if it was one of us."

Teal'c and Daniel looked at one another, their faces showing there unease. It was true, and they both knew it. Jack would be the last one to give up on any one of them.

Daniel sighed and reached out and put his hand on Sam's shoulder. "How much longer should we look?" he asked gently.

Slowly her eyes opened, and she gazed at three of the four men closest to her in the world. They all looked at her with compassion – but also with a question in their eyes. They wanted to know what she thought was enough.

She wanted to yell at them, to tell they they'd look forever, if that's what it took. But she stopped herself, because that was unfair. She couldn't ask the others to give up their lives – and she knew Jack wouldn't want that either. But could she set a time limit?

She slowly breathed out, and nodded. Yes, that was fair.

"Another week," she said quietly. "Let's give it one more week and then – and then we can go back and I promise I won't argue."

Jacob nodded slowly. "We can do that Sam," he agreed. "And thank you. I know it's hard, but it is the right decision. And Jack would approve."

She nodded, and then turned back to her little corner. She needed to be alone for a while. She felt a sudden wash of grief, but knew it was only a small taste of what she'd experience once they stopped looking.

"Okay," Jacob sat back down at the controls, a look of determination on his face. "Teal'c, Daniel?" he turned and looked as the other man sat in the co-pilot seat. Daniel stood closely behind the two of them. "So – let's figure out where he could be!"


Jack jerked awake as a cold – freezing cold – cloth fell right across his eyes. Fortunately he knew enough not to strike out, because when he removed the cloth it was to see the precious face of Beth staring at him.

"Da – hot!" she told him. She then reached for the cloth, which was slipping off his forehead, and began to rub it all over his face. He reached up to help her, before it landed on his chest.

He glanced over to see Oya and Rumina both smiling at him, clearly enjoying his bed bath.

"You were feverish for many days," Oya explained, "and Beth saw us sponging you down to try and bring the fever down. She wanted to help."

"Thank you Beth," he finally managed to tell her. He held out his hand with the cloth, and Rumina reached and took it. "That was sweet of you my darlin'," he told the little girl.

She giggled and leaned forward and gave him a big kiss on his nose. That caused him to laugh, although he realized as he did so that he was incredibly weak and tired. A moment later Rumina approached the bed.

"Come on dear," she said to Beth. "Daddy needs to rest. Why don't you go find a book and you can sit beside him and read to him?"

Beth smiled and jumped off the bed, running to the corner where a small bookshelf held a few books. While she was looking for something appropriate, Jack regarded the two women.

"Uh – how long?"

"Almost a week," Oya told him. "We were worried. The infection was severe."

"Because you would not rest," Rumina scolded him. "But now you must take it easy."

"How are things going?" he asked, yawning. He felt incredibly tired and wanted to go back to sleep. But then suddenly he frowned. "James?"

"Is asleep," Rumina told him. "Just like you should be. Rest. All is well."

"The Jaffa?" he murmured, his eyes well on their way down.

"They are being watched carefully," Oya told him. "The elders decided to wait until you are well before any decision is made. Now go to sleep!"

It didn't take him more than a few seconds to obey her order. He knew he would need rest and good food to get back on his feet. For the first time in weeks – months – he felt safe enough to simply let the world drift by for a while.

Beth shrieked with laughter as she ran from him. He hobbled after her – finally feeling half-way alive – although he still felt somewhat weak. He was also limping, but figured that would get better with exercise.

He laughed himself when he glanced over at James, who was propped up on the bed. He was gurgling with big belly laughs as he watched his sister play. Jack felt a surge of – affection and happiness as he watched the two little children.

"I see the children are playing again," Oya commented as she entered the small house. She looked indulgently at all three of the children – and received a wicked peck on the cheek from Jack. "Oh you," she scolded. "You're worse that the other two!"

"But you love me anyway," he told her with a grin.

"Hah!" she replied, shaking her finger at him. "Now don't you go tiring yourself! I don't want to have to nurse you again!"

"Don't worry," he told her, "I'm being careful. It's just that Beth here," he grabbed the girl and swung her up, much to her delight, "wants to play!"

"P'ay, Da," she told him.

"I'm afraid you've tired me out Beth," he said, flopping down on the bed while still holding her. "We're going to have to do something more sedentary."

She wiggled out of his grasp and slid to the floor. She then ran over to the book shelf and grabbed her favorite. It was a fairy tale book, similar to ones he'd read to Charlie – although the stories were a bit different. Still, they had all the elements a little girl would love; beautiful young heroine, handsome hero, and one or two bad guys. Fortunately the bad guys weren't too bad. Beth didn't need to find out too much too soon about the evil in the world.

"Oh, you want me to read to you, do you?" he asked as she climbed back onto the bed beside him. She nodded and he took the book. But just then there was a short cry.

"James," he said. He struggled to get back up, but Oya gave him a fierce glare and he subsided back down.

"I'll get him," she told him. A few seconds later and a still sleepy looking James was cuddled protectively in one arm. The other was around Beth, who was sitting on his lap, book in hand.

"I need another arm," he complained. Beth just pointed to the book. She had a one track mind!

Over the next few days he healed and grew stronger. He tried not to think about anything but what was going on around him. He spent as much time as he could with the children, which they obviously enjoyed. Other than that, he ate and slept – and ate and slept.

One day a couple of the men came and brought a chair for him to be able to sit in the garden. Glad to get out of the house, he made his way to the chair and sat down. Oya had placed a blanket at his feet and soon Beth and James were seated beside him on the ground, playing with some toys given to them by one of the neighbors.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was feeling much better. His wound was almost healed and he was getting stronger every day and he knew that he couldn't stay much longer with Oya and Eryx. They had been incredibly generous, but they weren't wealthy people and having extra mouths to feed – especially his – had to be straining their resources.

While still convalescing he had started to think about what he was going to do with his life. Deep inside a part of him had accepted that he was stranded on this planet for the rest of his life, although he was still unwilling to acknowledge it consciously. But he had started to think about creating a life for himself and for the children.

He had wondered whether he should return to the farm where he'd found the them. Two of the men from the village had set out for there as soon as they had defeated the Jaffa, in order to look after the animals and the garden for him.

He thought back to his short few weeks there and remembered that it had looked like a good property. The problem was, it was isolated from the village. It would be hard – impossible really – to look after the children on his own. It would also mean that they would be isolated from any friends. He didn't think he could go back there.

Instead he'd asked to speak to Solon and Chara. They came to Oya's the next day and sat and spoke with him. The first thing he did was ask about finding a place closer to the village in which to live. Their answer had surprised him.

"We will help you find a suitable property and build a house and a barn," Solon had replied. "You may keep the animals and supplies that were Markus' and Triana's. It all belongs to the children anyway. Jack O'Neill – you must know how grateful we are and how glad we are that you are now a part of our community. I know it is difficult for you – this isn't your home. But remember – this was not our home either. We are all from somewhere else and were brought here against our will. But we have made a community of this place and we are determined to thrive."

"Do not think badly of us, Jack," Chara continued. "Although we understand your sadness, we believe your presence here is vital for our survival. As a result of that, many of the people of the town have suggested that you be made an elder – and be given the responsibility for the security of our new home. Everyone feels safer with you here."

"Uh - I'm not – I mean, I'll have to think about it," Jack told them. It wasn't that he couldn't do the job – and he was honored that they had asked, but somehow accepting meant that – well, that he knew he was stranded here forever.

Chara and Solon had gone on to tell him that he would be compensated for his work – which would supplement anything he could produce on his farm. He knew that was going to be important, and told them that he would seriously consider it.

That evening he had gone outside and stared up at the stars. Again he had wondered if he could see Sol from here, although part of him knew that he was much too far away. He chuckled softly, although there was no humor in the sound.

"I guess this is my new home," he said to the stars. "Just make sure you keep them all safe," he murmured, thinking of all his friends back home. "I'll miss you guys," he said, so softly only the night air could hear.

With a deep sigh he returned to the house. The next morning he accepted the offer. He was now officially a resident of the planet. At least he was starting with a family, he thought. It would have been worse to have been alone.


"See anything?" Daniel came and sat beside Teal'c as Jacob went off to rest. It had been four days since Sam had agreed to one more week and they hadn't stopped looking over every square inch they could.

"I do not," Teal'c answered.

"I'd so hoped we would find something," Daniel replied. "Even if all we find is wreckage then at least we'll know."

"I too hoped we would find something," Teal'c answered. After promising Sam one more week, the men had spent time trying to determine where the Ha'tak would have gone. They were sure that it had been in the area they first searched but needed to figure out where it would have headed after that.

In the end both Teal'c and Jacob – the two most knowledgeable about the Goa'uld, had agreed that Aker had probably been heading towards a planet where he could pick up more supplies. Looking at the map of the galaxy, they had determined on the shortest route to Madrigal – a planet Jacob told them was a major trading planet.

They were now a week out from the planet and their hopes continued to grow even more dim. The chances of finding Jack seemed impossibly remote, but they had promised Sam a week.

"I just wish -" Daniel suddenly stopped and leaned forward. "Teal'c, what's that?"

Teal'c looked out as well, but didn't reply. Instead he changed course slightly and headed towards the strange object floating silently in space.

"I believe it is a piece of metal," the reformed Jaffa said quietly.

"Metal – as in -?"

"As in the hull of a ship," Teal'c said softly. "A very large ship."

"Could it be – from a Ha'tak?" Daniel asked hopeful.

"Yes, based on the analysis, I believe that is exactly where it is from." Teal'c sounded suddenly excited, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "There is more," he indicated with his head.

Daniel looked out – and suddenly saw a huge area dotted with pieces of floating metal. "Any idea how long this has been here?" he asked.

"I do not know," Teal'c replied. "Although it appears as if the wreckage is slowly being drawn in one direction."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Yes. It is impossible to tell by the naked eye, but my instruments show a slight movement of the objects."

"But – if that's the case, there must be some gravitational force pulling on them." Daniel may not have been an astrophysicist like Sam, but he was a smart man and had picked up his fair share of the science of the universe.

"That is correct," Teal'c nodded. He was quickly manipulating the ship's controls, until – suddenly, a picture of a planet appeared on the screen in front of him. "This planet is the only one close enough to our position to have affected the debris."

"Is there any information on it?"

"Not yet. We are not close enough to see if it can sustain life."

"Should we tell Jacob and Sam?" Daniel asked quietly.

"No, not until we find out. I do not want to disappoint them."

"Yeah, you're right. How long will it take us to get there?"

"About 50 minutes. Relax Daniel Jackson. We will know soon."

"Yeah – I don't think I can." He glanced at Teal'c. "You're just as nervous as me."

For a moment Teal'c didn't respond, but then he glanced sideways at Daniel – and finally he nodded.

"Indeed. I am very nervous."

The two men sat quietly, looking ahead into space, waiting to find out if this might be the one. They both knew it was unlikely – but hope was a tough master and refused to die.

Finally they were within range. Daniel could see the planet ahead of him and prayed silently that this one was it.

"There is water on the planet," Teal'c informed him. "And there is an atmosphere."

"Breathable?"

A couple of manipulations of the controls and Teal'c nodded. "It appears to be."

"What about – life. Any life?" He found it hard to stay still as he waited for Teal'c to discover what was on the surface of the planet. Again – he told himself that there was no way – Jack couldn't be here. It would be too implausible.

"There is life," Teal'c said quietly.

"Sentient?"

"I believe so," his friend turned to look at him, obvious excitement in his eyes. "It appears that there are two concentrations of life forms."

"Concentrations? You mean – cities?"

"It would appear to be more like villages. There are not vast numbers."

"Could it – do you suppose they could be Aker's camps?"

"It is possible. One of the villages – if that is what they are – is by the mountains. Aker could have discovered a source of Naquada and have established slave camps – or they could be training camps for Jaffa."

"Oh my God! We have to tell Jacob and Sam!" Daniel sprung up from his chair, but Teal'c grabbed his arm.

"Do not get their hopes up Daniel Jackson," Teal'c told him. "The chance that O'Neill is here is still slender."

"I know Teal'c. But - we have to investigate."

Teal'c nodded and Daniel kept moving.

"Jacob, Sam," he called, trying to keep his excitement from showing.

"What is it Daniel?" Sam pushed herself up from her sleeping bag and yawned.

Jacob sat up, looking slightly more rested, but still was a bit bleary eyed. Weeks of travel in a Tel'tak were wearing on him as well.

"Is something wrong?" the Tok'ra asked.

"We have just come across a planet," Daniel explained. "It looks like there might be a couple of small villages."

"Really?" Jacob sprung up and walked to the front. Sam moved almost as quickly.

"Daniel?" Sam looked at him with both excitement and fear in her eyes. It was as if she knew that this – here and how – was their last chance.

"It's true Sam. We just found it. Look, you know -"

"I know Daniel," she said softly. "Let's just – wait and see, okay?"

"Okay," he smiled at her and together they walked to the front of the Tel'tak.

"We shall be entering the atmosphere in five minutes," Teal'c told them.

"Be careful Teal'c," Jacob warned. "We don't know what's there. They might have ships or other defenses."

Teal'c simply nodded, but continued to head towards the planet. A few minutes later the Tel'tak broke through the clouds.

Below them they could see a green and lush looking planet. There were plains, lakes, mountains and rivers.

"It kind of looks like Colorado," Sam pointed out.

"Yeah, you're right," Daniel nodded. "Now let's hope the natives are friendly."

"Any sign of ships or weapons?" Jacob wanted to know.

Teal'c shook his head. "Nothing. This may be a primitive planet."

"Just watch carefully. The Goa'uld have been known to be tricky."

Teal'c didn't attempt to answer that. He knew the Goa'uld too well and wasn't about to take any chances. "Any preference as to which village we should attempt first?"

"Let's try the bigger one," Jacob suggested. "Who's going to go?"

"I'll go," Sam said quickly.

"And I'll go too," Daniel added. "We'll be less suspicious."

Teal'c's eyebrow went up at that. "I do not believe you can be anything but suspicious. It does not appear as if there are more than a few hundred people on this planet. Any stranger will be noticed."

"Come on Daniel!" Sam grabbed her jacket and backpack and within a couple of minutes was standing waiting to be ringed down. Daniel followed in short order.

"Okay – we're ready." Almost immediately both Daniel and Sam were gone.

Teal'c and Jacob remained silent as they waited to hear back.


Jack was enjoying a tall glass of the local equivalent to lemonade. It was pretty good, although he would have preferred it to be a bit more tart. Still, it was better than water. He wondered idly if they had beer here? If not, he'd have to figure out a way to make it.

The children were both napping and he started thinking about how they could improve the town. Now that there were no Goa'uld oppressing the people – they could think about expanding and beautifying things.

He hadn't yet decided on where he was going to farm. There was a lot of land available for him to choose. The one thing he did know, was that it was going to have a lake!

He felt a sudden pang as he thought about his cabin in Minnesota and that it would pass out of his family. He had left no family behind. His closest family were, in fact, his team. He started to grow depressed thinking about them and the fact that he'd never see them again, but then he stopped. He could no longer think about ho – about Earth. This was his home now. He'd better get used to it.

Just then he heard a noise – a familiar noise, but one he hadn't expected to hear again. He glanced up, shielding his eyes.

"Damn!" he cried, leaping to his feet. A Tel'tak swiftly flew overhead – too far away to have had a clear look at who was on the ground. This was just what they all needed – another Goa'uld.

He made his way down the street to talk to Solon and the other elders and warn them about their visitor. Sadly, his services were going to be needed again sooner than he had thought.

"You just couldn't let me alone, could you?" he asked the universe. With that he went into the house to let Eryx and Oya know he was headed to speak to the elders.