My apologies (again) - for not updating more regularly. The good news is I finally bought a house (what a major headache) Of course now we have all sorts of work to do before moving it - so I hope I can keep the stories coming semi-regularly.

A big hug and cookies to my reviewers who are faithful - even when I'm bad. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter/Passover - or however you spent the weekend.

Please enjoy!

Jack had been feeling more and more frustrated and it wasn't just the situation they were in with not knowing who they were or why they were in Calia. No, the real frustration was his relationship with Beth.

He knew he should be grateful to have such an amazing woman – and he was, really. The problem was they were pretty much living as brother and sister rather than man and wife. Oh, at night they would sleep close to each other – which he guessed wasn't really like brother and sister – but that's all there was and he didn't know how to change things.

As he looked up at the stars overhead that evening he got a strange feeling. It was one of yearning – and hopelessness – but for what and why he didn't know. The stars made him want to do something, go somewhere, which was strange as he certainly couldn't travel to them. At the same time they made him feel like things in his world, the one he couldn't remember, weren't quite right – that there was something missing or wrong.

It was all very strange – and he told himself that it was just the uncertainty of their situation that was making him have these thoughts. Still, they didn't seem to want to leave him alone.

"What the hell are you trying to tell me?" he said to the stars above. "Why are you so important?"

"Who are you talking to Aden?" a soft voice came up behind him. She had stopped calling him Jack, worried that it was too dangerous and too easy to make a slip.

He turned slowly to see his wife, wrapped in a shawl, standing behind him. He smiled and held out his hand. "No one", he answered, "Just myself and the stars."

She took his hand and walked forward until she was standing next to him. He drew her near and she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I talk to them too", she confessed. "I don't know why – it just feels - " her voice grew silent and she pressed closer to him.

"I know", he answered softly. "I look up and I feel like there's something I should remember – that I have to remember, but I can't."

"I know", she said. "But they also make me afraid", she admitted. "It's as if – if we knew – then things would change." She suddenly turned into him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I don't want things to change Aden. I'm afraid that I'll lose you."

"You'll never lose me Beth", he kissed the top of her head. "I promise. I'll always be here for you."

"I don't think you can promise that. You don't know what our lives were like before. What if – what if you're not really married to me?" There, she'd said it. She'd admitted her deepest fear. "What if you're married to someone else? What if it's this 'Sara' you talked about when you were sick."

He moved away from her slightly and looked into her face, frowning slightly. He'd had no idea she was worried about that. "I'm not", he said. "I'm not married to Sara. I think – I'm pretty sure she was someone important but I know I'm not married to her. Maybe she is a sister – or maybe she was my first wife, the one who they say died. I haven't been able to get them to tell me anything about her. But I do know that there's only one person I'm married to now and that's you!"

"But how can you know?" she cried.

"How can I know? I know because I feel it here", he put his hand over his heart. "I know it because you are a part of me and you were – even before Calia. No", he reached and pulled her to him again. "you're mine Beth – no matter what."

They stood there for a long time, just holding each other. Without words they had given each other a promise, although deep inside both of them knew it might be a difficult one to keep. They didn't know what lay beyond the gaps in their memories, or what lay beyond Calia.

"I don't want to live like this anymore", Beth spoke abruptly, pulling back and looking at the man who she had to believe was her husband.

He frowned, and looked slightly worried. "No? – but I thought you didn't want things to change?" He was confused, not knowing where this was going, or what she really wanted.

"I don't want to lose you – to lose what we have", she spoke softly. "I don't want that to change – ever. But I don't –"

"Don't what?" he asked gently.

"I don't want to live as if we're not married anymore. I don't want to lie beside you and not be able to be closer", she said in a rush. "I want us to truly be together as man and wife."

He was pretty sure his lungs had stopped working. They certainly didn't seem to be capable of taking in any air. He had to stop for a moment – to be sure he understood what she was saying. God, he prayed he did!

"Do you mean – "? He looked at her with a question in his eyes.

"Yes." She stepped away from him and then held out her hand. When he gave her his she pulled him towards their tiny house. As the door opened and they stepped inside, he uttered but one word –

"Sweet!"

"I am just fine now!" Jack was pacing around the small room as Daniel and Beth looked at him from their seats at the table. "My leg is practically healed – and it's not as if it's a far walk anyway!"

"It's too dangerous, especially after you were out sick for so long. It would be better if you were to keep working – then no one would suspect."

"No! You stay here and I'll go with Daniel – or by myself. That way you can both cover for me."

"Stop it Jack!" She exploded. "I'm perfectly capable of walking for a few hours and taking a look. We'll be careful – and no one will miss us."

"What if Hannah comes by? She will certainly be suspicious if you're not here."

"She won't. When was the last time she came to see me? And anyway, we'll go late in the evening and be back before it gets too late the next morning. You can go to work like normal, so no one will suspect."

"No – there's no way Beth. It's not safe and I refuse to let you and Daniel - "

"Who the hell are you to decide what I can or can't do", she cried angrily. "I'm a grown woman and I'll damn well go if I want to!"

"Stand DOWN Major!" Aden answered sharply, glowering at the woman across from him. "I've told you you're not going – and that's an order!"

There was dead silence in the room as both Daniel and Beth stared at him in shock. Aden continued to scowl at the two people opposite him but something in their expressions made him pause.

"What did you say?" Beth asked carefully.

"Uh – I said – ".

"You gave her an order and you called her – Major", Daniel chimed in. "You know, based on a few things you've said, I have a feeling that you were pretty uh - bossy in your former life."

"Bossy?"

"Yeah – you liked to order people around."

Aden looked back at his wife and grimaced. Uh oh – he was pretty sure he'd done it this time. "Look Beth – I'm sorry – I just don't think it's a good idea for you to go."

"Yeah, I got that", she answered, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Unfortunately – regardless of whether you used to order me around, here that won't wash. It's the smart thing for me to go. You even said yourself that I'd probably be the best one to figure out whatever that thing is. And I'm also smart enough to stay out of trouble."

He sighed, knowing when he'd lost. He shook his head as he looked at Beth and Daniel. Somehow he was pretty sure they were practiced at getting their way – even if he had been used to giving orders.

"Okay fine. But if you get into trouble or get yourself hurt I'll -!"

"You'll what – Jack!" Daniel grinned.

"I'll never let you live it down, that's what. So okay, let's figure out what we're doing here."

The three of them sat until late into the night figuring out all the possibilities and the dangers. Aden still felt nervous about letting his kids go – he snorted softly at that thought – they were far from kids. Still, he felt a sense of responsibility towards them and chafed at the idea of being left behind.

"So make sure you're back here by -"

"Jack!" his loving wife said. "I know – we know. We will be back just after first light. Don't worry, everything will be fine."

"Famous last words", he muttered. Later on he was to curse himself for even saying them.

"Okay, do you have everything you need?" he asked the couple in front of him. They were each carrying a concealed knife and a long walking stick – which could be quickly converted into a stout club if need be. Both of them were dressed in dark clothes – Beth had borrowed a pair of Daniel's pants.

"I'll be able to maneuver more easily", she'd explained. He'd simply nodded, figuring that if he really was from Calia he'd be shocked. As it was, he simply enjoyed the look of her in the pants which conformed more closely to her contours than the ugly skirts the women wore here.

"We have everything Jack", Daniel nodded. He turned to Beth. "All set?"

"Yes." Beth looked at Aden/Jack and could see the terrible worry in his eyes. She knew very well that if the situation was reversed she'd feel the same way. In fact, she had felt that way when Daniel and Aden had gone the first time. She felt badly for Aden, but wasn't sorry to be going. The adrenaline was coursing through her body and she was feeling great at finally being able to do something.

"We'll be okay Jack", she said softly. In private moments, or those of intense emotion, she tended to use his real name. The more she got to know the man who was her husband, the more she knew the name fit him.

"Watch your backs campers", he said. He leaned over and rested his head against Beth and then pulled back with a smile. "You'll do fine. Just keep an eye out – and watch that Daniel doesn't get into trouble."

"Thanks Jack!" the other man said sarcastically. "Come on Beth, we'd better go."

Jack watched until they were no longer visible, but he continued to stand outside, trying to let the early night air dispel the disquiet he felt. Instead of making him feel more relaxed, however, he began to feel worse. There was something in the air this evening that gave him the feeling something was about to happen. It was that same feeling one got before a big storm. Things were quiet – too quiet - and about to change.

The walk was relatively easy and Beth simply followed her companion. Although she kept her eye out for anything suspicious, she let her mind wander a bit. She couldn't help but think of the man who was her husband. She wondered who – and what – he'd been in their previous life. He was obviously used to command and found it hard to let others make decisions which might put them in danger. He had a definite 'mother-hen' streak in him.

She took a deep breath and suddenly realized how much she was enjoying herself. She caught Daniel's eye and grinned. Somehow she knew this had been part of her former life. Cooking and cleaning just didn't do it for her. No, she knew then that her former life had had its share of adventure. Taking another breath she picked up her pace.

"We're almost there", Daniel said quietly beside her. "You seem to be enjoying yourself."

"I am", she agreed, with another grin. "I've grown tired of seeing the inside of that house. I think I need to be out in the fresh air, getting some exercise and seeing the world."

"And experiencing a little danger?" he asked knowingly.

"That too – although don't tell Aden."

"Oh, I somehow think he knows. He doesn't necessarily like it – at least when he's not there to protect you – but he definitely knows."

"Really?" She looked at him in surprise. "Why do you say that?"

"Oh – just something he said to me the other day. He was worried that you were getting bored with your life in Calia and that you needed something 'challenging'. I think that's why he gave up and let you come."

"Let me?" she asked, brow raised.

"Well – at least he stopped giving you a hard time even though it was difficult for him." She didn't reply and Daniel didn't say anything for a while. Finally, he spoke again. "He really loves you, you know."

"I know", she answered softly. "And I love him."

"He's afraid to lose you. I think it would kill him", Daniel said gently. "I don't really know anything about who we were before, but I think he's lost a lot in his life. I don't want to see him lose you too."

"Believe me, I don't want that either and if that is your way of telling me to be careful – don't worry Daniel, I will be."

It was a few minutes later that they came upon the clearing with the ship. Beth's eyes grew big and she just stared at it for a moment.

"Holy Hannah!" she whispered. "What the hell is it?"

"I don't know. We were hoping you could tell us."

"Me? God Daniel, I don't think I've seen anything like this before. If I had, surely I would have remembered it."

"That's what Jack and I thought", he said. "He figured it might be a space ship."

"I know, that's what he said. I – maybe it is, although it looks big enough to house thousands of people."

"What if they're not people", Daniel asked.

"Not -? What would they be?"

"Oh, I don't know", he grinned. "Maybe they're a bunch of little grey aliens."

"Daniel! Don't be ridiculous. There's no such thing!" She scoffed.

"No? How do you know? Maybe there are lots of aliens creatures out there", he looked up at the night sky. "Who's to say we're the only beings in the universe. That thing certainly doesn't look like anything anyone I knew would have built."

"Well, since Jack and I are the only people you know right now Daniel, I would say that's true. How do you know that it wasn't built by someone you know? What if that's where we came from?"

"You said yourself you didn't recognize it and Jack and I didn't either. And, if we did come from there, don't you think someone would have come looking for us by now?"

"Yeah, maybe. Well, I guess there's really only one way of finding out if there are aliens in there."

"What's that?"

"We go in and take a look", she replied with a small smile.

Daniel grimaced in reply although he knew too it was really the only way. He just hoped it was going to be easy to get in. That thought was quickly followed by another one – he hoped even more that it was going to be easy to get out.

"Let's go then", he replied. They did a careful search of the perimeter, which took longer than they would have liked, especially since they had to be extra careful not to set off another trap like the one that had injured Jack. Once they were sure there was no one about, they carefully approached the vessel, keeping as much as possible in the trees.

"It looks like there's some kind of door there", Beth pointed to a small hatch in the side nearest them. "I'm going to go see if there's a way to open it up. You wait here and watch in case anyone shows up."

"You sure you're okay with this?"

"Yes Daniel", she smiled. "I have a feeling we've done this before. Okay, here I go." She gave a small wave and carefully moved towards the door.

He watched as she made her way to the ship and couldn't help but shake his head. Yup – he was pretty sure she'd done this before. He smiled – and so had he!

It only took a few seconds for Beth to find the panel beside the door. She opened it and saw a tangle of wires. With a sigh she reached in carefully and touched one of them. When nothing happened she began to try and figure out what wire was attached to what and to see if she could make sense of anything.

It didn't take long for her to realize that she knew this – this was familiar and she was reveling in it. This puzzle in front of her was something she could figure out, that she was good at. She smiled – she just wished the Colonel were here. He'd egg her on and get her to finish sooner – sure that his 'resident genius' could figure out just about anything in no time flat!

She was almost surprised when the door suddenly swooshed open. She stared at the open space for a couple of seconds before snapping back into the present. She took a quick peek inside.

"See anything?"

She was afraid they were going to have to scrape her off the nearest cloud after she jumped a few miles. "Daniel! What the hell – you scared me to death!"

"Oh, sorry", he said, sounding anything but apologetic. He was looking over her shoulder to see what was there. "It's pretty dark in there."

"Yeah – come on, let's check it out." Beth took a cautious step forward, followed closely by Daniel. It was true the corridor was dark, but after a couple of minutes their eyes adjusted and they could see the long corridor in front of them.

"Look at this Beth", Daniel whispered. "I think these walls are – are covered in some kind of plant or something. They almost look like they're alive."

Beth had been looking as well. "They're not covered Daniel – they are alive."

"The walls are alive?" he asked incredulously. He looked around again and saw what she meant. It was almost as if they were walking through - !

"Veins", she said, as if she could read his mind. "We're walking through some kind of vein or living tunnel. It's definitely organic."

"Organic? Are you telling me this ship is a – a living being?"

"Could be", she answered, "although the outside seemed like it was made of some kind of metal – and certainly the door was controlled by man-made" she turned and grinned, "or 'alien-made' technology."

As they walked deeper into the ship – or creature, or whatever it was, Beth began to worry that they'd be unable to find their way back. The 'corridor' was winding and seemingly without a definite end – definitely more like an organic structure than a manufactured one.

"Stop!" she abruptly stopped and held her hand up in front of Daniel. "There's something ahead", she whispered.

It took a minute but then Daniel saw it as well. At the end of the 'tunnel' there was an incredibly bright light. Daniel had to laugh to himself at the idea that they were heading down a tunnel towards a 'light'. He certainly hoped it wasn't a portent of things to come.

"What is it?" he whispered back.

"I don't know. Let's go." They walked forward, both having to shade their eyes as they grew closer. Finally they reached to what was the 'end' of the tunnel and attempted to peer into the space beyond.

"Oh my God!" Beth cried, as she saw into the room. Daniel just stared, shocked and sickened by what he saw.

Aden – no, he was Jack he said to himself, sat at the table after he'd come in from seeing Beth and Daniel off on their journey. He couldn't sit still for long, however and stood up and began to put away the remnants of their dinner. Once that was done – which only took a few minutes – he restlessly looked for something else to occupy his mind. Unfortunately, there was little to do in the small home and with Beth gone he had no one to talk to.

God – he hoped she was okay – no, that both of them were okay. He'd suffer if anything happened to either one of them. Without knowing anything about his past, he did know that Daniel and Beth were important to him. More than important, he acknowledged. They were vital – they were his family.

There seemed to be a missing element however, although he couldn't quite figure out what it was. Occasionally he had a flash of a gold snake, but what that meant was absolutely beyond him. These pieces of memory – at least he assumed that is what they were – were often confusing and he rarely understood them. He only wished he could put everything together. It was as if he had random puzzle pieces without any idea of what the final picture what supposed to be.

He sighed and ran his hands through his unruly hair. Beth teased him constantly over the fact that some of it always seemed to be sticking up. He'd threatened to cut it off really short, but she wouldn't hear of it. So, instead he had to deal with the continual cowlick which poked up towards the sky.

Damn, he wished he knew what was happening. He should be there. He should be watching their six while the two science twins did their stuff. That's what his job was – that's what he did on missions, he and Teal'c. They were the protectors, the warriors, the ones who made sure the young ones were safe. Yeah – he should be there.

He stopped suddenly, almost bashing his healing leg into the table. 'Teal'c? He'd thought that word before. This time however, when he thought it he could clearly see in his mind a picture of a tall black man with – a gold snake on his forehead! That was it – that's what that damn snake was about. But who was this man, and why did he have that thing on his face? He thought for a minute and couldn't bring much else to mind, except for the fact that he was sure this man was a friend. Yes – he was part of his – team! That was it. Teal'c was his friend and fellow – warrior. He could actually hear the man calling him 'brother'. Since he could tell they looked nothing alike (he grinned) he was pretty sure that simply meant they were close.

He felt a sense of relief, after finally putting something together in his mind. He just wished he knew more about this man – Teal'c – and where he was now. He thought back to this idea of a team – and spent the next few minutes trying to figure that one out. What 'team' – what did that even mean?

"Hey Jack – let's order a pizza."

"I'd go for that Sir, as long as it doesn't have anchovies."

"I too feel like a pizza O'Neill. I would prefer mine 'Hawaiian' style."

The flash of memory left as abruptly as it had come. There were three people in his – vision – for lack of a better word. These people must be this 'team' he had been thinking about. But still, what kind of a team was it – and what the hell was 'pizza'?

"Let's get out of here Beth", he whispered desperately. "We can't let them find us."

"I know Daniel – but God, we've got to do something."

"What? What can we do? There's only two of us Beth – they'd capture us in a second."

"I know but I can't bear just leaving - "

"I know", he responded sadly. "Maybe we can figure something out."

With one last look they turned back the way they had come. For a while they simply moved, not wanting to think about what they'd seen, or where they were going. Soon however they realized they needed to find out more information. They needed to find out who was controlling this abomination.

They turned down one of the 'corridors' which seemed to have numerous tunnels branching off from it. So far they hadn't come across anyone – alien or otherwise – except for those they'd seen in the large 'cavern' with the lights.

Beth began to feel strange, almost as if someone was watching them. Still not seeing anyone, they kept moving, hoping to find some answers to take back to Jack.

"I suspected something like this", a voice spoke from behind them.

Sam and Daniel both whirled around, shocked – neither of them had heard a thing.

"I knew trying to destroy your memories wouldn't be enough", he continued. "I told them that you should be put to death, that you'd be a danger – that even with no memory of who you were you'd not be content to simply live in the village. You are all too curious, too determined to find answers and to be heroes. Well I'm afraid that this is a case where your curiosity is going to lead to your demise. I'm afraid poor Aden will soon be mourning his wife and friend."

Samuel smirked as he watched the two people in front of him. He motioned to someone behind him and two beings – Beth wouldn't call them human – approached. All she could think was that the Colonel was going to kill them both for getting captured.